Today`s Selection`s 14th July 2011

At Killarney (2.25) Adatara, has ran well in three maidens this season, and a reproduction of his last run when he finished third of 17 behind the Aiden O`Brien-trained Long Live The King at Tipperary last month should see him go very close.

The 2m handicap hurdle (4.35) is a very weak race but I am going to give Sox`s Girl a decent chance now that she is dropped in trip for the first time this season, Daniel Splaine takes off a valuable 7lbs and Sox`s Girl could well be the one.

At Leopardstown, Do The Bosanova gets my vote in the 1m2f handicap (7.50) it`s fair to say that tonight`s trip could be on the sharp-side but plenty of her rival`s might struggle to get home over the distance. I can see my selection going from the front and if jockey Ronan Whelan, sets the right fractions she could be hard to catch.

The 1m1f handicap at 8.25pm is a very competitive contest, however the Andrew Oilver-trained Elusive Award has an e-way chance. I know it`s very difficult to come from behind at tonight`s venue but if the gaps come at the right-time he could be in the shake-up.

2.25 Kill - 1.5pt Win - Adatara - 7/2 General  ( bpg ) - unplaced

4.35 Kill - 1.5pt e/w - Sox's Girl - 20s General ( bpg, 4 places 1/4 odds ) - placed

7.50 Leop - 1pt Win - Do The Bosanova - 5s General ( bpg ) - WINNER!!!!

8.25 Leop - 0.5pt e/w - Elusive Award - 9s General ( bpg, 4 places 1/4 odds ) - placed

WL

Review`s 12th-13th July

Jack`s Law, ran a shocker very slowly away and never figured.

Via Del Corso, was giving too much to do, may have not won the race but he would have fought out the placings.

Rutland Boy, came under pressure a long way out and stayed on at the one-pace to finish 4th.

Gold Sensation, hasn`t come on from his 1st start this season and will struggle to trouble the judge this year. Un-Placed.

Swaninstockwell, plenty of support for this one 3/1 into 13/8 and I couldn`t believe that connections decided to race behind the leaders. He raced from the front on his last two outings and battled on really gamely against better opposition and I am sure other punters were wondering what the hell was going on when they saw the race VERY disappointing. I see he is down to run at Epsom tonight.

WL

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Today`s Selections 13th July 2011

 
2pts eway Gold Sensation 2.15 Downpatrick - 8/1 P Power ( bpg, 3 places 1/5 odds and 13/2 W Hill but 6s General ) - unplaced
 
2pts Win Swaninstockwell 3.00 Lingfield - 3/1 General ( bpg ) - lost
 
1pt Win Double
 
WL
 

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Today`s Selections 12th July 2011
            

At Dundalk,  Jack`s Law has e-way claims in the 1m handicap (4.20)

At first glance you may think he has no chance on recent form figures, but those runs where on turf and over distances that wouldn`t have suited him, his best form is over 1 mile at today`s venue.
He is usually held up in rear and if they go too quick in the early stages it`s possible that he might be able to reel them in late on. Jack`s Law is a big price so you don`t have to invest much.

At Killarney, Via Del Corso is my selection in the 1m3f handicap (6.50).

This will be her ninth start this season but to be fair to her she has performed pretty well in most of them. The only time she hasn`t been at her best is when she raced on soft ground.

The Paul Flynn-trained filly should appreciate the sounder surface with the very capable Ronan Whelan booked for the ride his 7lbs claim will definitely come in handy and Via Del Corso might finally lose her maiden tag.

At Yarmouth, the Ed Dunlop-trained Rutland Boy gets my vote in the 1m2f handicap (8.30).

You would think by his pedigree(Bertolini 5f-7f winner) that he would struggle to stay ten furlongs, however on his first two outings this season he performed with credit against well-regarded horses over tonight`s distance at York and Goodwood.

I am going to forgive his last run, the ground was very tacky and it was over 1m4f at Salisbury back in June.

At the prices he is worth an e-way bet.

0.5pt Win and 1.5pts Place Jack`s Law 4.20 Dundalk( Betfair)

1.5pts eway Via Del Corso 6.50 Killarney - 6s Boyles and BET365 ( 3 places, 1/4 odds and best price g'teed )

1pt eway Rutland Boy 8.30 Yarmouth - 10/1 W Hill ( bpg, 3 places 1/5 odds and 9s General )

WL

Reviews 11th July 2011

Peachez, ran well and if she got the gap at the 2f pole she might have won the

contest, but happy to get a place when I get involved in weak races. Result=2nd S.P 7/1

Solar Sail, also ran well she went low in-running (1.36) but just didn`t see out the trip but again no harm done we got the place. Result=3rd Adv.P 6/1 S.P 5/1

WL

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Today`s Selections 11th July 2011

At Ffos Las the 1m4f handicap (3.50) is a very low-grade race however, the Alastair Lidderdale-trained Peachez has a decent claims.

A reproduction of her fifth place finish behind Zamina at Windsor last month should she her in the mix, considering that the better ground and the step up in trip is most likely to suit. Her jockey Amy Scott owes us a good ride( bad ride on Wiggy Smith last time for us) and if she does her job well she should be there at the finish.

At Killarney, Solar Sail gets my vote in the 1m3f handicap (7.00).

You can put a line through her last outing drawn out very wide at Ballinrobe she was always going to struggle from there.
I did like her previous run when she finished third to the in-from Intyre Trail at Limerick, she missed the break and was soon under pressure to latch on to the pack. She did make a move at halfway on the outside and took it up at the 1f pole but her early exertions cost her victory.

Solar Sail will appreciate the step up in trip and I will be disappointed if she is not involved at the finish.

1.5pts e-way Peachez 3.50pm Ffos Las - 13/2 BET365 and W Hill ( bpg, 3 places 1/4 odds )

1.5pts eway Solar Sail 7.00pm Killarney - 6s General ( bpg, 3 places 1/4 odds )

WL

Reviews 10th July 2011

Par Five, his jumping cost us victory. Result=3rd

Appletreemagic, ran ok held-up and stayed on fine in the closing stages to finish third. Result=3rd Adv.P 12/1 S.P 10/1

WL

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Today`s Racing 10th July 2011

At Fairyhouse, the Patrick Martin-trained Appletreemagic gets my vote in the 1m2f handicap (4.35)

She has been running over 1m this season and although she was a winner back in April at Dundalk over that distance I feel she will appreciate the step up in trip.
Very few of today`s runners have a chance on recent form figures and she should be involved at the finish if seeing out the trip.

At Sligo, the 2m handicap hurdle (3.45) looks an interesting contest with two of J.P McManus horses heading the market. He actually purchased my selection Par Five just recently after he finished fifth behind the well handicapped Redera at Roscommon last month.

I would like to see him to be put into the race, not like last time where he raced 30 lengths off the pace and stayed on really well at the finish. Today`s venue is a tight track with an uphill finish and if he is not too far behind turning for home he should go close.
 

1pt Win Par Five 3.45 Sligo - 7/2 General ( bpg )

2pts eway Appletreemagic 4.35 F/House - 12s P Power and W Hill ( bpg, 4 places and 1/4 odds )
 
WL
 
Reviews 9th July 2011

Courageous, disappointing effort from this fellow un-placed.

Moyenne Corniche, tried his best just found the trip on the sharp-side.

Snow Bay, ran a cracker Dane O`Neill nearly got the fractions perfect just got nabbed on the line. Result=2nd Adv.P 14/1

Tropical Beat, poor ride from Nicky Mackay he had his mount out too wide and was weak in the finish it cost us a place. Result=4th

All Action, tracked the pace throughout  and took it up turning for home and ran out an-easy winner. Result=WINNER Adv.P 4/1

Tanfeeth, ran well but we got a bit of luck from the runner-up who veered across the track, but that`s racing. Result=WINNER S.P 5/1

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Today`s Selections 9th July 2011

A very competitive day`s racing to say the least, so I do advise small stakes on
my selection`s and your own. But I do have a few that might go close.
 
At Ascot, the 6f handicap (2.30) is dominated by Ritual and Mac`s Power in the
betting but the Dandy  Nicholls-trained Courageous is worth an e-way bet at the
prices
 
He should appreciate the step down in trip and has the excellent Ryan Clarke on board his 5lb claim could be very valuable.
 
The Henry Cecil-trained All Action gets the vote in the 1m2f handicap (4.20). He went really close last timeout and has a good chance to go one better today. There are plenty of dangers not to mention the 3-y-o lurking at the bottom of the handicap from big stables but I think they have a bit to find.

At Newmarket, the John Gosden-trained Tropical Beat gets my vote in the 1m handicap (4.10).

I wasn`t surprised to see his trainer putting first-time blinkers on him last timeout, he certainly has looked a tricky customer in the past, but nothing went right for him held-up in the early stages he was very keen and when he made his move he got hampered at a crucial stage but still stayed on very well to finish a closing tenth in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Now they are trying a visor on him if that has the desire effect he could be the one they have to beat.

The 1m4f handicap at 5.55pm should be won by a well-regarded three-year-old and the Ed Dunlop-trained Tanfeeth is my choice.

I didn`t think he handled the undulations in a competitive handicap over 1m2f at Epsom last month although he finished a close fourth.

He is by Singspiel so he should appreciate the step up in trip and jockey Richard Hills certainly owes us a good ride.

At York, Moyenne Corniche has decent claims in 1m2f handicap (3.15).

It` hard to believe that he hasn`t won a race since 2008, and although he has performed well in many races this season those events were run between 12-16 furlongs.
I could be way off the mark here, but I feel he could have a say in things over this trip and it`s great to see apprentice Sam James trying his luck in a valuable handicap I`m sure his 5lb claim could come in very handy if there near the finish.

The 1m handicap at 3.55pm is another hot contest, however I love prominent horses who try to dominate from start to finish and if Dane O`Neill can get the fractions spot-on Snow Bay should go close.
 

0.5pts e-way Courageous 2.30 Ascot - 16s General ( bpg, 4 places 1/4 odds )

0.5pts e-way Moyenne Corniche 3.15 York - 20s W Hill and BET365 ( bpg, 4 places 1/4 odds )
 
0.5pts e-way Snow Bay 3.55 York - 14s General ( bpg, 4 places 1/4 odds )
 
1pt e-way Tropical Beat 4.10 Newmarket - 13/2 General ( bpg, 3 places 1/4 odds )
 
1pt Win  All Action 4.20 Ascot - 4s General ( bpg, 3 places 1/4 odds )
                                                
1pt e-way Tanfeeth 5.55 Newmarket - 7s General ( bpg, 4 places 1/4 odds )
 
WL
 
 
Reviews 8th July 2011
 

Forjatt, a bit of money for this one 10/1 into 6/1  but never got involved no
more chances from me. Disappointing.
 
Mountain Hiker, always prominent and just lost out in a titanic battle.
Result=2nd 4/1
 
Greyfriars Drummer, never travelled today did try to get back into the race off
the bridle but it was too much. Result=4th
 
Lady Perspex, travelled well throughout the contest but there was a lot of rain
about which didn`t help and suddenly came off the bridle and dropped away. Will
give her another chance on better ground in a similar grade.
 
Markazzi, I`m not a big fan of Richard Hills, he was the reason why we lost out
on the victory. Result=3rd Adv.P 10/1
 
No Trimmings, stayed on well from mid-div and just failed by a shd to catch the
winner. Result=2nd 7/1
 
WL
 

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Today`s Selection`s 8th July 2011

 
Prices are taken from overnight markets - take best available at the time of the mail which should be 11am.

1pt eway Forjatt 1.50pm Newmarket - 10s General ( best price g'teed 4 places 1/4 odds )

1.5pts e-way Mountain Hiker 2.50pm Ascot - 9/2 BET365, 4s General ( bpg, 3 places 1/5 odds )

1.5pts e-way Greyfriars Drummer 3.45pm York - 9/2 General ( bpg, 3 places 1/5 odds )

1.5pts eway Markazzi 5.20pm Newmarket - 10/1 BET365, 8s General ( bpg, 4 places 1/4 odds )

1pt e-way Lady Perspex 6.45pm Cork - take best price
 
1.5pt e/w No Trimmings 7.05 Gowran - take best price
 
WL
 

Reviews 7th July 2011
 

Church Music, very disappointing run couldn`t go the early pace and was soon treading water .

Mijhaar, the rain did come so did the money 5/2 into 13/8 but just got to the front too soon and got out stayed by the winner. Result=2nd

Masked Marvel, jockey Jimmy Fortune wasn`t happy with the early fractions so he decided to take it up 1m from home and that manoeuver worked perfectly well to hold-off the late challenge of Cenus. Result=WINNER Adv.P 5/2 S.P 2/1

Jamesway, slowly into stride and always fighting a losing battle just couldn`t keep up with the pace.

Oetzi, got a great ride from Harry Bentley, raced in mid div took a pull at halfway knowing the pace was too fast up front and came through well to win going away. Result=WINNER Adv.P 9/2
 

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Today`s Selections 7th July 2011

At Newmarket, Masked Marvel gets my vote in the 1m5f Bahrain Trophy (Group 3) at 1.20pm

The John Gosden-trained colt improved from his seasonal debut by taken a Listed event at Goodwood in impressive fashion, with the Royal Ascot Queen Stakes winner Namibian back in second. His next assignment was the the Epsom Derby where he finished a very respectful eight behind French raider Pour Moi last month.

He takes a step down in class today and looks the one they all have to beat with top jock on board Jimmy Fortune.

An half an hour later, Church Music is my selection in the 6f July Stakes (Group 2).

This son of Amadeus Wolf was mighty impressive on his racecourse debut over 5f at York last month, he never came off the bridle to win as he liked.

It`s fair to say today`s race is a big step up in class with Royal Ascot winner Frederick Engels and runner-up Roman Soldier in the field, but in my opinion I feel he can surprise many and turn out to be a very special animal.

Unfortunately, there is only seven runners so they only pay on 1st/2nd but don`t worry Betfair still pay out on third in the Place Market.

The Roger Varian-trained Mijhaar should take all the beating in the 1m2f handicap at 2.25pm.

There was a lot to like about his recent outing at Royal Ascot, he was drawn wide and jockey Neil Callan decided to race under the trees before tacking over to join pack at halfway, that idea didn`t workout but he still travelled well turning for home only to find his early exertions costing him inside the final furlong.

Although today`s conditions might be too quick for him (rain due) if connections decide to let him run he should go very close to victory in this weaker contest.

I am going to select Jamesway in the 5f sprint handicap at 4.40pm, as stated in previous write-ups I don`t usually get involved  in these kind of races,however I re-watched Epsom (Derby week) and although many horses were unlucky in the 5f Dash the Richard Fahey-trained gelding possibly suffered the most interference, and on his latest start he was badly hampered at the start but stayed on really well to finish a closing fourth at Newcastle.

If he gets the rub of the green today I expect him to be in the shake-up.

At Warwick, the Alan Jarvis-trained Oetzi has decent claims in the 7fur handicap for 3-y-o (4.30).
 
To be honest guys it`s not a race I usually get involved in but Oetzi has performed well in his last three outings. He was giving a lot to do on his final start last season when he stayed on well from a hand and heels ride to finish a closing seventh at Nottingham, and this season he was very keen early-on in both his starts but still managed to be involved in the closing stages at Thrisk and Newbury.

It is a poor contest but I expect him to be prominent throughout and could well be still there inside the final furlong with the very capable Harry Bentley (takes 5lbs off) doing the steering.
 

2.5pts Win Masked Marvel 1.20 Newmarket - 5/2 BET365 and W Hill ( bpg )

1pt Win Church Music 1.50 Newmarket - 11/2 General ( bpg )

2pts Win Mijhaar 2.25 Newmarket - 5/2 General ( bpg )

2pts e-way Oetzi 4.30 Warwick - 9/2 BETFRED and W Hill ( bpg, 3 places and 1/4 odds )

2pts e-way Jamesway 4.40 Newmarket - 9/2 General ( bpg, 3 places 1/4 odds and Boyles go 5s )

                                                      
WL
 

Reviews 4th-5th July 2011

Gold Rules, race wasn`t run to suit with the normanlly front runners setting slow fractions, but I still thought he should have ran better. Disappointing

Monicalew, crazy race really with two fallers and a horse stopping in front, but we came out well in the end. Nice to get a winner. Result= WINNER Adv.P 11/2 S.P 4/1

WL
 

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Today`s Selection 6th July 2011
 

The Wally Swinburn-trained Monicalew gets my vote in the 1m2f handicap at Bath (4.40) , although she was well beaten last timeout, I`m going to put a line through that run because of the ground and a reproduction of her fourth place finish behind Cloud Illusions at Newmarket back in May could see her in the shake-up.
 
                                                  
2pts eway Monicalew 4.40pm Bath - 11/2 Boyles, BETFRED and W Hill ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/5 odds )
 
 
WL

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Today`s Selections 5th July 2011

 
One bet today at Pontefract -
 
1pt e-way Gold Rules 3.00pm Ponte - 14s W Hill and BETFRED ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds, SKYBET 16s and 1/4 odds )
 
WL
 

Reviews 1st-3rd July

Dynamic Drive, didn`t take his draw advantage, slowish exit and took s bit of a pull early-on  travelled better at the halfway stage, although well beaten he did manage to battle on for third which is very important for our each-way bets and place bets. Result=3rd Advised Price 16/1 S.P 10/1

Bowlders Magic, the different tactics near paid-off, always in front rank and had them all off the bridle 3f out he got headed at the 1f pole but stayed on really well to finish a gallant third. Result=3rd Adv.P 20/1 S.P 16/1

Baby Strange= Non- Runner

Standpoint, ran a fine race I had a ? mark about him staying 10f and at one staged I thought he was going well enough to see it out, but the trip just stretched him a bit. Result=2nd Adv.P 13/2 S.P 4/1

Sky Pilot, well supported this fellow but the ground was possibly too quick for him but did battle on well well to finish third, Result=3rd Adv.P 10/1 S.P 9/2
 
WL

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Today's Selections 4th July 2011 -

No bet today.

WL

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Today's Selections 3rd July 2011 -

1pt e/w Cornakil 3.20 Bellewstown - 16s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - non runner

2pts e/w Sky Pilot 3.55 Bellewstown -  10/1 Bet365 and Boyles ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds ) - 3rd

Apologies for no write up today.

Cheers

WL

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Today`s Selection`s 2nd July 2011
 
No write up today from Will - bets below.

1.5pts eway Bowlders Magic 3.25 Haydock - 20/1 BET365, P Power ( bpg, 4 places and 1/4 odds  ) - 3rd

1.5pts eway Baby Strange 4.30 Haydock - 7/1 General ( bpg, 4 places 1/4 odds ) - non runner

1.5pts eway Standpoint 8.10 Nottingham - 13/2 P Power ( bpg, 3places 1/5 odds, 6s General ) - 2nd

0.5pts eway treble - paid out with Powers at profit of 5.9pts
 
WL

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Today`s Selections 1st July 2011 

At Sandown, at first glance the 1m6f handicap (5.05) could be fought out by Kitty Wells and Nibani (Cumani and Stoute trained horses) but at the prices I give a decent shout for the Walter Swinburn-trained Dynamic Drive.

It`s fair to say selecting a horse that has never finished in the frame in four starts this season is always risky but we don`t have to invest much at double-figured odds.

He was rated 85 at the start of the season, he is now (78), however I have valid excuses for his efforts so far. 20th April Epsom, (6th bt 10l)  very competitive handicap against very decent animals with many of them winning next timeout. 6th May Chester ( travelled well got boxed in at the home turn and track a bit sharp for him. 19th May Salisbury ground good to firm, firm in places totally against him. 11th June Sandown badly drawn in stall 12 raced wide throughout, came there 2f out got boxed in twice stayed on at one paced.

He has a good draw in stall 2 and travels well and might surprise at big odds.

 
1pt eway Dynamic Drive 5.05pm Sandown - 16/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - 3rd
 
WL
                                                           

Reviews 29th-30th June

Al Burkan, travelled well in rear, moved closer turning for home stayed on best to win nicely. Result=WINNER

Pencil Hill, certainly wasn`t race fit, the 74days off the the track was the reason for defeat. I won`t forget her just yet.

Aznavour, possibly hit the front too soon, travelled well behind leaders took it up 2f out just got out battled unlucky. Result= 2nd 5/1 SP

Elizabeth Coffey, a very messy race was done no favors early on hampered several times. Maybe next time.

Golden Future, tracked pace closed 3f out and stayed on really well to hold off the late challenge. Result= WINNER 10/3 SP

Space Race, was going best of all 2f out then got hampered, lost all chance after that. A bit unlucky for a place.

Hamoody, lost five lengths at the start but got himself back in contention slightly impeded 1f out didn`t help matters either. I will definitely give him another chance with Goodwood only around the corner.

Akasaka, broke well tracked the pace had every chance inside the final just got out stayed by the winner. Result=2nd M.Price 14/1 SP 8/1

High Vintage, farce of a race two front runners slow pace only concerned them. My selection held up last travelled well got boxed in 3 times stayed on at one-pace. The handicapper will drop him a few pounds for this run, and a smaller field next time could be interesting.

Today`s Selections 30th June 2011

No write up today - Will has 4 bets up and down the cards...

2pts eway Space War 4.00pm Haydock - 11/2 General ( bpg, 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - unplaced

1.5pts eway Hamoody 7.25pm Epsom - 7/1 VC and W Hill ( bpg, 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - unplaced

1pt eway Akasaka 7.30pm Leopardstown - 12/1 General ( bpg, 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - 2nd

1pt eway High Vintage 8.35 Leopardstown - 14/1 BET365 ( bpg, 4 places and 1/4 odds, 16s with VC and 12s General ) - unplaced
 
WL
 

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Today`s Selection`s 29th June 2011
 

At Catterick, the Ed Dunlop-trained Al Burkan could be the one in the 7f classified stakes at 4.30pm.

The lightly-raced 3-y-o certainly has his quirks, in both of his starts this season he took a fierce hold for the first 3 furlongs but still ran well in defeat at Hamilton (9f) and Ripon (8f) last month.

In my opinion racing on a left-handed track and tracking the likely pacemaker (Mark Johnston-trained Coax) will be more to his benefit.
It`s fair to say that it won`t be easy to get the better of De Sousa/Johnston but if he settles in the early stages he might conquer the in-from duo.

The 1m4f handicap at 5.00pm is a low-graded race, however the consistent Golden Future has decent claims in an open contest.

On his latest start over today`s distance at Musselburgh, he raced up with the fast pace set throughout the contest and only gave way inside the final furlong to the in-form Patavium. It`s worth mentioning that the early fractions were quick and usually are in Lady Rider`s events but the overall time was just below standard.

Professional jockey Tom Eaves is booked to ride and could be the one they all have to beat if the race hasn`t come too soon for him ( 4th race this month).

At Fairyhouse, Pencil Hill is sure to appreciate the drier weather over the past few days and could surprise a few in the 7f handicap at 7.00pm.

The Tracy Collins-trained gelding has shown his best from on decent ground over the past years, although he has performed fine in his last three outings in soft conditions, tonight`s surface will be more to his liking.
His trainer may have been waiting for good ground ( off track 74 days) he has a good draw in stall 2, the very capable Daniel Benson takes a valuable 7lbs off and if race fit could well be in the shake-up at a decent price.

An hour later the John Oxx-trained Aznavour may finally get his head in front this season by taking the 1m2f handicap.

He is another who will appreciate the better ground, although carrying plenty of weight last timeout on a soft surface at Naas over 1m he still ran a decent race to finish a close third to the in-from Ted Dolly.
Going by his pedigree he should be able to last home over the extra two furlongs, and I wouldn`t be surprised if Johnny Murtagh makes all.

And finally, Elizabeth Coffey  has an-eway chance in the 1m2f handicap at 8.30pm.

I must stress that these 3-y-o handicaps over 10f are hard to work out considering they run against each other all the time, but the Mick Halford -trained filly caught  my eye last time at Leopardstown, she pulled early on and lost her position at halfway and dropped back to the rear but she stayed on in the closing stages to finish a well beaten sixth behind His Excellency.

Tonight`s race is slightly easier and she is better off in the weights with a couple of previous rivals, and I do expect her to improve with the excellent Gary Carroll booked.

2pts win Al Burkan 4.30pm Catterick - 11/4 General ( best price g'teed ) - WINNER!!

1.5pts eway Golden Future 5.00pm Catterick - 7/2 General ( best price g'teed, 3 places 1/5 odds ) - WINNER!!

1pt eway Pencil Hill 7.00pm Fairyhouse - 9/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds, 8s elsewhere ) - unplaced

2pts eway Aznavour 8.00pm Fairyhouse - 9/2 Lads, W Hill and Boyles ( best price g'teed, 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - 2nd

1pt e-way Elizabeth Coffey 8.30pm Fairyhouse - 16/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds, 16s Coral and 14s elsewhere ) - unplaced

WL                                     

Reviews 25th-28th June

Allied Powers, ran disappointing wasn`t himself today. Un-Placed

Nationalism, took a pull but still had enough left to grind out the win. Result=WINNER 11/4

Life And Soul, is starting to get exposed now he needs to settle better to win races again, but managed to hang on for third. Result=3rd 13/2

Grams And Ounces, didn`t settle early on, travelled well turning for home but raced up the wrong side, took it up 2f out but his early exertions cost him and just lost out on 3rd. Result= 4th 9/1

Virgil Earp, is not as good on the flat as he is over the smaller obstacles. Disappointing

Significant Move, didn`t handle the ground in my opinion, will give another chance on slower conditions. Result=3rd

Directorship, the two non-runners didn`t help they were the pace setters for my selection, will give another chance in a big handicap back at Sandown I would say.

Rattan, ran no sort of race, it`s possible that the race came too soon after Ascot.

Elusive Award, just got left behind when pace quicken, I do think there is a race in him when I`m not too sure, Galway is not too far away maybe.

Sioux Rising, looked in trouble at halfway but picked up inside the final furlong to get her head in-front  on the line- Result=WINNER 14/1 M.Price 10/1 S.P

Blue Mimosa, was quickly into stride to get a vital position early on, that was the winning move battle on well to hold-off all challengers. Result=WINNER 7/4 M.Price S.P Evens

Gra Geal Mo Chroi, did well considering the pace was slow throughout the contest, took it up turning for home and stayed on gamely. Result= WINNER 11/8

WL

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Today's Racing Selections 28th June 2011 -

At Sligo, the 6f maiden (5.20) looks a two horse race on recent form figures, the Kevin Prendergast-trained Blue Mimosa gets the vote.

The daughter of Holy Roman Emperor made a promising debut over 5f when finishing fourth to the well-regarded Fire Lily at Navan back in April, she stayed on well from the rear giving the impression that a step up in trip would be more to her liking.

On her latest start over 7f at Down Royal, she ran a decent race to finish second to Gin Rummy, but I thought she might have needed the run having been off the track for 62 days.

She is well drawn in stall 1 and the very capable Sam James takes off 5lbs, with a slick exit she will take all the beating.

Gra Geal Mo Chroi has strong claims in 1m2f claiming race at 7.20pm. She caught my eye last timeout at Tipperary, held-up in rear travelling well she made her move turning for home, but ran into traffic problems 2f out, but to her credit she stayed on again to finish a closing fifth. The form of that race is working out really well the 1st- 4th-and 6th were successful on their next run.

Very few horses in tonight`s race have a chance on official ratings and a reproduction of her last run should be enough to take the prize.

2.5pts Win Blue Mimosa 5.20pm Sligo - Take best available price - WINNER!!!

5pts Win Gra Geal Mo Chroi 7.20pm Sligo.- Take best available price - WINNER!!!

WL

Reviews of the weekends and Monday`s selections will appear later. Cheers W.L

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Today's Racing Selection 27th June 2011 - ( only sent to Members today - normal service tomorrow on site...apologies )

Just the one fancy today, the Richard Fahey-trained Sioux Rising has decent claims in the 6f handicap at Pontefract (3.45)

She has won twice over course/distance in the past, and she caught my eye on a couple of occasions recently. Most noticeably last timeout at Chester where she got checked and hampered at a crucial stage over 7f last month.

Although off the track 52days she is well drawn in stall 2 and the very capable Lee Topliss 5lbs claim could be the difference.

1.5pts each-way Sioux Rising 3.45 Pontefract - Take best morning price - WINNER!!! 14s into 10s sp

WL

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Today`s Racing 26th June 2011

At the Curragh, possibly the toughest race of the day but just a small mention for the David Barron-trained Colonel Mak in the 6f handicap at 2.40pm. He has raced in stronger handicaps this season in England has a good draw in stall 22, Fran Berry is booked for the ride and won`t mined the ground. A little interest to start the day.

Rattan is my selection in the 1m 4f handicap at 4.40pm. He has been a consistent performer over hurdles in the spring months, but he caught my eye on the level in his latest start, the 2m4f Ascot Stakes. He was held-up to get the trip but met traffic problems when the leaders where getting away at the 4f pole, he did come there with a decent effort but to be honest he didn`t stay and finished seven lengths behind the winner.

I do like the way he travels in his races and in his early days he had a good turn of foot, the ground is perfect for him and he should appreciate the step down in trip. Top Jockey Pat Smullen takes the ride and could go close.

The Andrew Oliver-trained Elusive Award has a decent chance in the 1m handicap  at 5.30pm. It`s not going to be easy for jockey Declan McDonagh to weave his way through the field, but that`s the job he has to do for success.
This four-year-old gelding enjoys racing out the back, and he has caught my eye twice this season, staying on really well from a long way back at Gowran and today`s venue last month. If produced at the right he could be the one.

At Windsor, the Stuart Kittow-trained Significant Move gets my vote in the extended 1m3f handicap at 3.25pm.  He has no luck in-running in his last two races at Newmarket and Sandown over 10f, and I`m happy connections have found a race over today`s trip he did race like a step up in trip would be more to his liking. The ground is a slight worry but if he handles it he should be involved.

I`m going against Vainglory (tipped him at Salisbury Wed) and decided to select the Peter Chamings-trained Directorship in the 1m handicap at 4.35pm.

Nothing has going right for him this season even though he ran fine, his two starts at Sandown he was forced to race wide throughout and the pace was slow early on for this hold-up performer.

There are three front runners in today`s contest which will help, and I know it`s hard to come from behind at Windsor but that`s the way he likes to race and his turn will come, it could well be today. He`s worth an e-way bet in a competitive race.
 
 

Take best morning prices on the selections.

 0.5pts e-way Colonel Mac 2.40pm Curragh - unplaced

 2pts Win Significant Move 3.25 Windsor - 3rd

 1pt e-way Directorship 4.35pm Salisbury - unplaced

2pts e-way Rattan 4.40pm Curragh - unplaced

1pt e-way Elusive Award 5.30pm Curragh - unplaced

WL

** Note don't be afraid to e-mail if you don`t agree with my reviews and I would love to answer any questions.

Cheers Will.

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 Today`s Selection`s 24th June 2011

At Newmarket, the Micheal Bell-trained Allied Powers gets my vote in 1m4f Listed event at 2.45pm.

This son of Invincible Spirit will certainly appreciate the recent rainfall, although he performed ok on a fast surface in his first two starts of the season (both Group Three races) he very much caught the eye at Chantilly ( Grand Prix Group 2) three weeks ago in soft conditions. He travelled well behind the leaders but just got a bit tapped for toe when the pace eventually quicken but stayed on quite well inside the final furlong.

Today`s venue will be much more to his liking, and the step down to a Listed event makes him the one they all have to beat.

At Windsor, Nationalism is the pick in 1m Listed event at 2.55pm. The John Gosden-trained gelding finished last season off with two very disappointing efforts, badly drawn at Newmarket and didn`t appreciate the headgear at the same track on his final start.

After been gelded since then his effort at Epsom on his seasonal debut was pretty eye-catching. He was keen in the early stages ( pace was very slow) it`s fair to say he got out-paced when it quicken but he flew home on the outside to finish a close fourth.

There are two front runners in today`s field so the pace should be fine, and a reproduction of his last outing will see him involved at the business end.

The 1m4f handicap at 4.00pm has the very quirky Berling in the line-up but I am going to go against him this time, and select the Amanda Perrett-trained Life And Soul.

He only ran six days ago at Royal Ascot but never settled in the race and was virtually pulled-up, it`s possible he hated the soft ground.
He can be very keen at times in his races, as he showed at Epsom but to his credit he still managed a fair effort to finish a close fourth to the in-from Fox Hunt, and when he finished third to the much improved Times Up at Newmarket last month.

Considering he is out so soon I expect all is well with him, and the booking of Darryll Holland is a plus in my opinion. Not many have chances on recent form and if you forgive my selections last run he could go close.

At Newcastle, Grams And Ounces has decent claims in 1m2f handicap at 4.45pm.

The Amy Weaver-trained gelding went into my notebook when she finished sixth of 14 behind Prince Of Johanne at Haydock back in April. She was held-up a long way behind the pace but stayed on quite well inside the final furlong. The form of that race has worked out really well with many horses performing strongly next timeout.

He has race twice since then, but he had to make the running next time at Ffos Las and the pace was very slow on his latest start at Ayr which wouldn`t have suited.

I would prefer to see him race in midfield tracking the pace, and that could well happen with a couple of rivals who like to force the pace in the field. He is well drawn in stall 6 to get a good position and could surprise at a decent price.

At the Curragh, Virgil Earp looks very interesting in 2m handicap at 5.15pm.

The only form I can go on is his runs over hurdles, an easy winner at Wexford over 2m4f two weeks ago and it`s worth mentioning his fine second to the well-regarded Unaccompanied at Punchestown back in December.

 His trainer Noel Meade ran him over 7f at Roscommon in a decent maiden 12 days ago, the trip was way too sharp for him but he did stay on quite nicely. The handicapper has given him a rating of 69 which seems fair, but the in-form Lee Roche takes off 5lbs and is worth an e-way bet over this trip.

1.5pts win Allied Powers 2.45 Newmarket - 4/1 General ( best price g'teed ) - unplaced

1.5pts win Nationalism 2.55pm Windsor - 11/4 General ( best price g'teed ) - WINNER!!!

1pt e-way Life And Soul 4.00pm Windsor - 7/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds ) - 3rd

1pt e-way Grams And Ounces 4.45pm Newcastle - 9/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced

1pt e-way Virgil Earp 5.15pm Curragh - 10/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds, 9s with PPower and 8s General ) - unplaced

WL

Yesterday`s Selections 24th June 2011

Shesastar, giving a lot to do at halfway but her class came through in the end to win going away.Result=WINNER M.Price 9/4 S.P 7/4

F/Cast Shesastar/Roman Strait Result=WINNER 7.29

Sportsmaster, race mid-div travelled fine, leader dropped he cruised up 2f out and stayed on well to win going away. Result=WINNER M.Price 7/1 S.P 4/1

Jameaway, he got hampered very early on lost his place and was last at halfway, but he did stayed on very well and just missed out to get up for 3rd. Very unlucky

Wiggy Smith, I wasn`t happy to see a hold-up horse to see daylight 1mile from home, and racing on the wrong side. Very strange tactics indeed. Still ran ok to finish 5th, but what was she doing.

Cyflymder, didn`t get a clear run a couple of times turning for home. Very Unlucky

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Today`s Selection`s 24th June 2011

At the Curragh, Sportmaster, gets my vote in the 1m4f Apprentice handicap at 7.00pm. The Andrew Oliver-trained gelding should appreciate the step up to 12 furlongs if his previous three races is anything to go by.

Although he has performed with credit over 10f ( a winner last timeout) I feel tonight`s distance will be more to his liking mainly because he came off the bridle 3f from home in each race.

The pace should be sound with Lancetto in the field so he should travel on the bridle turning for home and let his stamina come in to play. It`s worth mentioning at this time of the year the 3-y-o age allowance comes in very handy, and with the in-form Ben Curtis on board he should go close.

At Doncaster, the David Barron-trained Shesastar will take a lot of beating in the 6f handicap at 5.05pm. A reproduction of her fourth place finish behind Swiss Dream at Newmarket last month should be good enough. Today`s race is a big step down in class, although she has to carry top-weight I will be disappointed if she is beaten. I must state I`m not a huge fan of Jamie Spencer, but I can`t do anything about that, he is on the best horse in the race it`s up to him now.

You will notice Roman Strait is in the line-up (selected him at Ponte on Sunday) but I would prefer him over 7f. He will be staying on at the finish at could get up for the F/Cast hopefully behind Sheastar. 

At Newcastle as I stated many times before I don`t usually get involved in sprint handicaps, however I re-watched Epsom (Derby week) and although many horses were unlucky in the 5f Dash the Richard Fahey-trained Jamesway possibly suffered the most interference.

So you know the next line, with a clear passage he could go close. 7.25pm

At Newmarket, the very consistent veteran Wiggy Smith, has decent claims in the 1m2f at 8.40pm. There is no point writing about his previous form, the key to this horse is a big field with plenty of front runners. There is four who like to dominate and a few prominent racers in tonight`s field which is ideal.

You can put a line through his latest start, a big field but not pace at all, and they finished in a bunch. Providing he can still do it at the age of twelve he is well able to show the younger crop how it done. Amy Scott takes 5lbs off which should come in very handy.

Chester, is not a track I normally get involved with, but I don`t mind re-watching  previous meetings and see if there is any hard-luck stories and I put them in the notebook.

Cyflymder, is one I thought was a bit unlucky at tonight`s venue over 6f last month. Although he was well drawn in stall 5 he wasn`t that fast out of the stalls to get a prominent position which is so important , and he paid the penalty and had no luck in-running throughout the contest.

He is usually quick into stride in his races, and with that in-mind he should get into a good poisition from stall 6, if doing so I expect him to be involved at the finish. Apprentice jockey Neil Farley gets on well with him as is worth an e-way bet in the 7f handicap at 9.20pm.

3pts win Shesastar 5.05pm Doncaster - 2/1 General ( best price g'teed, 9/4 with VC) - WINNER!!!

 
1pt F/Cast Shesastar/ Roman Strait - 5.05 Donc - WINNER!!! returned 7.29
                                                
2pts eway Sportsmaster 7.00pm Curragh - 7/1 BETFRED and Boyles ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - WINNER!!!

1pt eway Jamesway 7.25pm Newcastle - 9/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - 3rd

1.5pts eway Wiggy Smith 8.40pm Newmarket - 10/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced

2pts eway Cyflymder 9.20pm Chester - 9/2 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced

WL

Yesterday`s Selection`s 23rd June 2011

Prince Of Dance, travelled better this time behind the winner, just couldn`t reel him in inside the final furlong. Result= 2nd 7/1 S.P

Naledi, raced mid-div made his effort down the outside at the one-pace to finish 3rd. Result=3rd 8/1 S.P

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Today`s Selection`s 23rd June 2011

At Newcastle, Prince Of Dance gets my vote in the 1m handicap at 3.20pm.

Regular viewers of my write-up`s will remember I tipped him up last time when he finished a close fourth to Magic Cat at Haydock. He raced a bit wide early on and was quite keen, and jockey Robert Winston was eager to chase the fast pace, he had every chance to win inside the final furlong but his early exertion`s caught up with him.

The reason why I selected him last time, was he ran a promising race at Ripon on April 16th and that race is working out well and possibly found the ground to quick.

Although today`s event is a tougher assignment he is very capable in this grade with the slower conditions in his favour.

At Leicester, the extended 1m3f handicap (8.40) is certainly a weak event but the Richard Price-trained Naledi caught my eye last timeout.

The first thing I must say is that before I saw him running last timeout  you would never think he would have the stamina to stay 1m4f prior to his previous races on the flat.

However, it`s worth mentioning on his latest start he chased a really fast pace at Nottingham over 10f and to be honest I did think he would drop away at the 3f pole like the rest of the prominent racers, but to his credit he kept on quite well to finish a close second to the in-form Cane Cat.

I doubt very much that the pace will be as fast tonight and with Harry Bentley taken off 5lbs it`s possible that he might stayed the extra 2f, and is worth a small each-way bet.

1pt e-way Prince Of Dance 3.20pm Newcastle - 6/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - 2nd

1pt e-way Naledi 8.40pm Leicester - 8/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - 3rd

WL

Yesterday`s Selection`s 22nd June 2011

Vainglory, ran a very solid race once again, but there are a few reason`s why he got beaten he raced with two other horse`s against the near side rail with the rest of the field raced on the stands side. He likes chasing a fast pace, so when he hit the front 3f from home it was always going to be difficult to hang on, but to his credit he just got done on the line possibly the strength of Fallon in the saddle was the difference close home. Result= 2nd 11/2 M.Price

Ardlui, although a well beaten 3rd the pace was slow early, and he came under pressure a long way from but stayed on quite well, maybe needs 1m6f to be at his best of a strongly run 1m4f. Result= 3rd 5/2 S.P

Awareness, a very disappointing effort, I was never happy at any stage during race, never travelled and finished unplaced.

Dukes Art, ran a fine race always travelling well behind the leaders, you could see turning for home he was going to be involved, he did reach a very low price in running but just didn`t fined as much off the bridle as the winner. Result=2nd M.Price 8/1 S.P 13/2

Glanusk, he gave the impression in previous races that he needed a step up to 1mile , but after this race he looked like he didn`t stay. Maybe 7f and ridden closer to pace will suit best. Result= 5th

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Today`s Selection`s 22nd June 2011

 
It`s a busy day and I do have a lot of fancies, to be honest I expect them all, with a bit of luck to be there or thereabouts.

At Salisbury, Vainglory deserves to get his head in front very soon and he gets my vote in the 1m handicap at 3.50pm.

His form is easy to understand, a hold-up performer who wants gaps to appear at a crucial stage. Well at least there is only 13 runners declared to run which is a plus, it`s possible that the bigger fields in his previous two races was the reason why he went into the notebook again and not the winners enclosure. He got stuck behind a wall of horses and had to make his challenge widest of all at Epsom and York in very competitive handicaps to finish a closing fourth earlier this month.

Today`s race is slightly weaker and if he has no traffic problems he should be in the shake-up.

A half an hour later Ardlui is the choice in 1m4f handicap. As I said in previous write-up`s the best maiden so far this season over staying distances is the one World Domination won at Newbury back in April. My selection finished an eye-catching sixth in that race, drawn wide, held-up travelled well and he was closing at the finish under a hand and heels ride.
 

He was sent to Thrisk a month later, and duly obliged against weaker opposition by seven lengths over today`s trip. I expect him to make further improvement and he should appreciate this stiffer track. There is a few well bred horses in the line-up but I will be disappointed if Ardlui is not involved at the business end.

At Naas, Awareness looks well handicap in the 6f event at 7.30pm. There is nothing wrong finishing sixth of 27 behind the much improved Sing Softly on her racecourse debut at the Curragh back in March, the form of that race has worked out tremendously well with many horses in-front and behind performing well in better races than tonight`s over the past few weeks.

Although I expected a better run from her next time when sixth of 15 at Navan the horses that finished close to her are a decent bunch.

She was off the track for two months when she finish a tired fourth behind Vastitas at Roscommon, but that was over 7f and she came there with every chance at the 2f pole but the extra furlong and time off the track was against her.

Awareness looks well in off 65 and could go close to success in her first handicap with Johnny Murtagh booked to ride.

The 1m handicap at 9.00pm looks very competitive to say the least, but the Jessica Harrington-trained Glanusk has got my eye a couple of times in recent weeks.

He was a fast finishing second over 7f on his seasonal debut at the Curragh early last month having looked in trouble 2fur out, and on his latest start he was giving a lot to do when a staying on fourth over 7f to Jambalaya at tonight`s venue just over two weeks ago.

It`s quite obvious that the step up to a mile should be more to his liking and if he is not too far behind turning for home he could well go close to victory.

At Kempton, the James Toller-trained Dukes Art has decent claims in a competitive 1m handicap at 8.50pm.

Going through the form of the runners, I must stress that there is very little between most of them, so taking that into consideration, I`m quite pleased that the handicapper dropped him 2lbs in the weights from his last outing (he wouldn`t have liked the soft ground anyway) and that he has a good draw in stall 5.

Although has three and a half lengths to make-up on one of his rivals (Merchant Of Medici), but in my opinion he could well reverse the form. Considering he was making his seasonal debut, didn`t get a clear run 2fur, 5lbs better off and is better drawn than him, it should be closer this time around. He is worth an each-way bet.

***Note*** I would advise e-way multiples. doubles, patents-yankee`s- Lucky31`s. Of your choice.

2pts e-way Vainglory 3.50pm Salisbury - 11/2 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - 2nd

2pts e-way Ardlui 4.20pm Salisbury - 5/2 General ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/5 odds ) - 3rd

2pts e-way Awareness 7.30pm Naas - 11/2 BET365 ( best price g'teed 4 places 1/4 odds, 5s with Coral ) - unplaced

2pts e-way Dukes Art 8.50pm Kemptom - 8/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - 2nd

2pts e-way Glanusk 9.00pm Naas - 7/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds, 15/2 VC and 6s General ) - unplaced

0.5pt eway Accum

WL

Yesterday`s Selection 21st June 2011

Edgeworth, the rain didn`t come that was a plus, but the headwind didn`t help matters. People might blame the young jockey, but to be fair to the lad he got him to settle nicely and came there full of running but the wind and the distance just caught him out near the finish. Result= 2nd 10/1 M.Price 6/1 S.P

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Today's selection 21st June 2011 -

1pt e/w Edgeworth - 6.10 Newbury - 8/1 General ( best price g'teed ) - 2nd

WL

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Today`s Selections 20th June 2011

 
At Kilbeggan the Dessie Hughes-trained O`Fortuna has decent claims in the 2m3f handicap hurdle at 6.20pm
The lightly-raced seven-year-old actually went into my notebook when he finished fourth behind Cadspeed at Leopardstown, in heavy ground back in February of 2010. Like most horses having their first run over hurdles against experienced opposition, you will read after the race ( held-up in rear and made steady progress from the last) that`s what happened in this race.
 
He is by King`s Theatre and most horses sired by him like a sounder surface, so I was surprised to see him win a maiden hurdle in bottomless ground at Punchestown last February.
On his next outing he carried top-weight in his first handicap to finish a close second giving 23lbs to Abbey Glen at Navan the following month. The form of that race has been boosted, the winner went on to win two competitive handicap`s since then.
 
Connections where trying to see if he stay`s 3 miles on his latest start, and they found that out easily enough, when he finished a well beaten eight. So I`m not surprised to see him stepped down in trip tonight.
His trainer has a good record at this track (14-68 winners 21%) and O`Fortuna has a decent chance to be involved in the shake-up in this competitive contest.
 
At Windsor, Profondo Rosso should take all the beating in the 1m handicap at 8.10pm.
 
The Micheal Stoute-trained gelding struggled last season, considering he had to be sent to Brighton to lose his maiden tag, and I had the same opinion about him when he finished a well beaten fifth on his seasonal debut over 10f behind Badeel at Nottingham last month.
 
However, on his latest start his trainer decided to run him with a first-time visor, and to his credit ran a sound race to finish a close third to the well-regarded Jeremy Noseda-trained Club Oceanic over 10f at Goodwood ten day`s ago.
 
I know it`s not guaranteed that the visor will work a second time, but if it does and the step down in trip is the key ( on pedigree I think he is better over a mile) he looks the one who should collect the prize with Kieran Fallon booked for the ride.
 
1.5pts e-way O`Fortuna 6.20pm Kilbeggan - 14/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds, 12s with P Power ) - unplaced
 
2.5pts Win Profondo Rosso 8.10pm Windsor - 3/1 BET365, VC and W Hill ( best price g'teed ) - 3rd
 
WL
 
 
Saturday`s and Sunday`s Selection`s  18th-19th June 2011
 
Deacon Blues, finally got the perfect ride in a big field, he raced in mid-div travelling well and made his move 2f out, there was plenty of room this time and he battled on well to hold-on for victory. Result= Winner 9/1 M.Price 8/1 S.P
 
Taqleed, very poor effort never got involved, it`s quite possible that he just hasn`t trained on.
 
Deutschland, plenty of support but ran poorly, made a brief effort from the back 4f from home but didn` stay the distance.
 
Suits Me, got a great ride from Mickey Fenton, alway`s in front he set his own fractions and kept enough to hold on for the win. Result=WINNER S.P 16/1
 
Roman Strait, ran fine he just couldn`t go the early pace, but he flew home to finish a close third, let`s hope 7f is his next trip. Result =3rd M.Price 6/1 S.P 5/1

WL

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Today's Selections 19th June 2011 -

No Write Up today due to travelling but two bets at Pontefract.

Suits Me 1.5pt e/w - 3.40 Pontefract - 16/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - WINNER!!!

Roman Strait 1.5pts e/w - 5.40 Pontefract - 6s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - 3rd

WL

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Today`s Racing 18th June 2011
 
Final Day= Royal Ascot
 
My first selection is the James Fanshawe-trained Deacon Blues in the 6f Wokingham Handicap (4.25). It`s not a distance I usually get involved in, but the soft ground makes the studying a bit easier.

Deacon Blues, has only one style of racing, he likes to be held-up in rear and weave his way through horses. The trouble is he has never been successful performing that way in big fields, although he has come close in the past he has never got a clear passage at vital stages.

Many jockey`s have been given the task but have had no luck in-running, now it`s the turn of big- race winning pilot Johnny Murtagh to have a go. I do believe if he is produced at the right time and the gaps appear he will go close to victory. He is worth an each-way bet in this very competitive contest.
 
Taqleed gets my vote in the 1m4f Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) at 5.00pm.
 
I`m sure the first thing your saying to yourself is will he stay the distance, after re-watching his win over ten furlongs at Newmarket back in August of last year, in my opinion I think he will get home over today`s trip. It`s worth mentioning he raced widest of all and came under pressure 3f out but stayed on really well to win by a going away four lengths on softish ground.
 
His trainer (John Gosden) always stated he needs soft conditions to be at his best, so I`m going to put a line through his seasonal debut effort where he finished a well beaten eight of 20 behind Pekan Star at York on good ground last month.
 
I understand if you get involved with my selection that you are worried about him staying 12f in soft conditions but there is plenty of stamina in his pedigree on the dam`s side. So taking that into consideration he is well worth a bet.
 
The final race of the festival is the 2m5f Queen Alexandra Stakes (5.35) and the Willie Mullins-trained Deutschland has decent claims.

Many tipsters and punters will be selecting Elyaadi, Overturn, or Swingkeel but I`m not convinced that they will appreciate the soft ground as much as my selection.
We all know how shrewed Willie Mullins is and I feel that this race has been mapped out for his very capable servant a good few months ago before he heads to Galway next month.

There is not a lot of flat form to go on, but I did think he ran a blinder under top-weight at Killarney last August where he finished a close fifth to Top Spin in a very competitive handicap over 1m6f, possibly finding that trip on the sharp-side.
He should appreciate the step up in trip and has no worries about the conditions, and could upset the more fancied runners at a decent price.
 
1pt e-way Deacon Blues 4.25 Ascot - 9/1 W Hill ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds, 8s and 7s with 5 places elsewhere ) - WINNER!!!
 
1pt e-way Taqleed 5.00pm Ascot - 7/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced
 
1.5pts e-way Deutschland 5.35pm Ascot - 12/1 W Hill and BET365 ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced
 
0.5 pt e-way Treble

WL
 
 
Yesterday`s Selections 17th June 2011
 
Zuider Zee, really fancied this one but never got into the race maybe there was something a miss or possibly the soft ground didn`t suit him.???? Disappointing unplaced.
 
Nathaniel. was very impressive winner a no nonsense ride from William Buick on this occasion, he had the best form going into the race on my opinion and duly obliged. Result =WINNER S.P 11-4
 
Solar Sky, no complaints ran a cracker just out stayed by a real gutsy Mark Johnston-trained animal. Result= 2nd M.Price 5/1 S.P4/1
 
Good Shot Noreen, just done on the line for 3rd, she might struggle to get her head in front this season.
 

 
WL

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Today`s Racing 17th June 2011 

 
Day Four= Royal Ascot
 
My first selection is the John Gosden-trained Nathaniel in the 1m4f King Edward Stakes at 3.05pm.
 
It`s hard not to mention his debut run last season when he finished a close second (soft conditions) to the brilliant Frankel over 1m at Newmarket last August. In his next outing he filled the same position over the same distance and definitely  the impression he will appreciate the step up in trip in due course.
 
It was a easy introduction on his seasonal debut, he won a three horse-race over 12f with the minimum of fuss at Haydock back in April. On his latest start he found the Epsom-Derby runner-up Treasure Beach, a head too good at Chester a month later. I did think that the sharp left-handed track didn`t play to his strengths and would be more suited by a more galloping track.
 
Looking at today`s opposition I only fear World Domination, but I`m not sure if he will appreciate  the soft ground. Although he is only a 5/2 shot I do feel Nathaniel will take all the beating.
 
It`s always difficult to work out the form when three-year-old`s race over 2m for the first time but I`m a big fan of the Sir Henry Cecil-trained Solar Sky could be the one in the 2m Queen`s Vase at 5.00pm.
 
I was pretty impressed with his debut run when he finished second to stable companion World Domination in a very hot maiden at Newbury back in April. He was held-up in rear and keen in the early stages, he was checked at the halfway mark which didn`t help matters but to his credit he stayed on very strongly on the outside to get within 3l of the winner. The time of the race was very fast.

On his latest start most people would have been disappointed with his hard fought victory at the skinny odds of 2/13 at Haydock a month later. To be honest just because he was long odds on, they went a very slow pace for the first mile and he just took a while before his stamina came into play inside the final furlong.
I am pleased with connections that they have chosen this race mainly because I think he will need every yard of it, and 5/1 looks generous.
 
At Goodwood, Zuider Zee looks to have a outstanding chance to get back to the winners enclosure by taking the 1m6f handicap at 7.55pm.

In his last two starts nothing has gone right for him, hampered at a vital stage on his seasonal debut when fourth to the much improved Rock A Doddle Doo at Ascot last month, and hampered again at Epsom when third to Fox Hunt last timeout both over 1m4f.

There is nothing of that caliber in tonight`s race and with the rain due it`s going to make his chance of success even stronger. He is 3/1 at time of writing I think he should be a 6/4 shot.
 
At Limerick, the Tommy Stack-trained Good Shot Noreen gets my vote in the 6f handicap (6.35)

I`m going to put a line through her last outing, it was a bit messy early on and she didn`t look like she was enjoying it from there on when a well beaten ninth of 14 at Navan last month.
 

She ran well on both her starts back in April against much stronger opposition than she is against tonight. Her third place finish behind Lechevalier Choisi at Navan and the same position behind Rose Bonheur at Tipperary is the best form on show.
She is well drawn in stall 1 and a reproduction of either run will see her in the shake-up with the excellent Wayne Lordan booked for the ride.
 
 
3pts win Nathaniel 3.05pm Ascot - 11/4 General ( best price g'teed ) - WINNER!!!
 
2.5pts ew Solar Sky 5.00pm Ascot - 5/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - 2nd
 
1.5pts ew Good Shot Noreen 6.35pm Limerick - 5/1 Boyles and VC ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced
 
5pts win Zuider Zee 7.55pm Goodwood - 5/2 BET365 and W Hill ( best price g'teed ) - unplaced
 
 
WL

 
Yesterday`s Selections 16th June 2011
 
Brown Panther, was an impressive winner for us, always travelling well and went to the front 4f from home and just kept on galloping to the line. Result=WINNER 11/2 M.Price S.P 4/1
 
Lily`s Star, ran a fine race held up as usual, made her move turning for home and stayed on well to get 2nd. Result=2nd S.P 14/1
 

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Today`s Racing 16th June 2011
 
Day Three - Royal Ascot
 
I spent a good while going through the form and to be honest I only like one horse today that looks a solid bet. I have too many ??? marks on the other five races.
 
 
The Tom Dascombe-trained Brown Panther gets my vote in the 1m4f handicap at 5.35pm.
 
There are plenty of likely improver's in the field, but I was really impressed with the manner he won his latest start at Haydock last month.
He was held up in rear and travelled well throughout the contest, he made smooth progress over 3f out with all of his rivals off the bridle. He had to wait until an opening came inside the final furlong but came readily clear to win with plenty in hand.
 
I do expect further improvement today and I will be disappointed if he is not involved at the finish.
 
At Leopardstown, Lily`s Star has good claims in the 1m handicap at 8.35pm.
 
I have said many of times in write-up`s it`s very difficult for horses to come from behind when the pace is slow, and that is very much the case what happened to Lily`s Star on two occasions at tonight`s venue in the past.
 
Although she doesn`t look well handicapped against some of her opposition, but it`s possible that the pace could be ideal for her with a few front runners in the field.
 
She is normally slowly away, so you won`t see her until they are turning for home, she has a good turn of foot and if she is produced at the right time she is well capable on her day. The in-form Lee Roche takes off a valuable 5lbs and is worth an each-way punt.
 
2pts eway Brown Panther 5.35pm Ascot - 11/2 General ( 4 places and 1/4 odds best price g'teed ) - WINNER!!!
 
1.5pts eway Lily`s Star 8.35 Leoparstown - 12/1 Boyles and BET365 ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - placed
 
WL
 
Yesterday`s Selections June 15th
 
Saajjahh, raced prominent but couldn`t get away from the field early-on, and maybe went too fast. Disappointing 4th.
 
Fareer, ran a fine race with 9s-10lb on his back, and did best of those racing down the middle of the track. Although he finish outside the top 5 home he ran a blinder to finish eight.
 
Blessed Binata. plenty of money for this one 14-1 into 11-2 but we knew our faith at halfway. Definitely needed the run,and to be honest I don`t like her head-carriage. I won`t be backing her again until I see a big improvement.
 
Solar Sail= Non- Runner
 
Hail Tiberius. a well beaten 4th not good enough no more chances after that run.

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Today`s Racing 15th June 2011

 
Day Two= Royal Ascot
 
My first selection is the Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Sajjhaa in the 1m Windsor Forest Stakes at 3.05pm.
 
It`s more than likely that she will get a uncontested lead, which is a big plus with Frankie Dettori setting the fractions, he is one of the best jockeys that ride from the front. On her latest start she made the running and had them all at it 2f out but just found the Henry Cecil`s brilliant mare Midday too good inside the final furlong at York over 10f last month.
 
The step down in trip doesn`t worry me, she was a winner over today`s distance twice last season, and a reproduction of her latest run will see her go very close.
 
The most competitive race on the card is the 1m Royal Hunt Cup (Handicap) at 4.25pm.
 
I know what your saying I must be mad tipping a horse in this race, but I do think the Ed Dunlop-trained Fareer is worth a small e-way bet.
 
He won the Britannia Stakes over course and distance in 2009 ( which is worth mentioning) but he certainly caught my eye on his latest start at York last month.
He was travelling well in rear, and turning for home he still looked to be going well 3f out, but unfortunately he got checked two/three times and jockey Richard Hills wasn`t able to give him a proper ride but stayed on strongly inside the final furlong without been touched with the whip.
 
I know carrying top-weight is going to be difficult but at the prices (25/1 at time of writing) he is worth a few bob each-way.
 
My final selection at Royal Ascot is the William Haggas-trained Blessed Biata in the 1m Fillies Handicap at 5.35pm.
 
It maybe a shot in the dark, but she caught my eye in a valuable sales race at Newmarket last October over 7f, where she stayed on really well to finish a closing sixth behind Masaya.
 
To be honest I don`t know if she has trained-on but today is her first handicap and her first time racing on good ground ( most horses by Mr Greenly do better on good ground) and with trainer/ jockey (J.Murtagh) in good form, she could surprise many at a decent price if race-fit.
 
At Ripon, I am going to give the Tim Walford-trained Hail Tiberius one more chance in 1m4f handicap at 9.20pm.
 
My selection went into my notebook back in April when he finished third to Jeer over today`s distance at Doncaster. He was giving a lot to do that day well behind turning for home but stayed on really well inside the final furlong.He has raced three times since then but he would have found the slow early pace against him on each occasion.
 
There are three front runners in tonight`s field so the pace should be more to his liking, and although Ripon suits horses that race prominent  they might go off too fast and set it up for a hold-up horse like Hail Tiberius.
 
At Navan, Solar Sail gets my vote in 1m2f handicap at 8.30pm. Providing she is o.k after her fine effort at Limerick over 1mile three days ago, I expect a decent run over a trip that will be more to her liking.
 
She was taken off her feet in the early stages, but to her credit she made up a lot of ground on the outside and only gave way inside the final furlong.
Tonight`s race is against similar opposition and could go well at a decent price with the excellent Gary Carroll booked for the ride.
 
3pts win Sajjhaa 3.05pm Ascot - 4/1 W Hill ( best price g'teed 7/2 General )
 
1pt e-way Fareer 4.25pm Ascot - 25/1 Ladbrokes ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds, 22s General )
 
1pt e-way Blessed Biata 5.35pm Ascot - 14/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds, 16s at Boyles )
 
1.5pts eway Solar Sail 8.30pm Navan - 10/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds, 8s General )
 
1.5pts eway Hail Tiberius 9.20 Ripon - 14/1 W Hill and BET365 ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )
 
WL
 
Yesterday`s Selection 14th June 2011
 
Zigato, I know he likes to be held-up but Pegasus wouldn`t have won from the position he had him. Only good thing that happened is that he got up for a place. Result=4th 5/1 M.Price S.P 7/2

WL
 

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Today`s Selection`s 14th June 2011

Day 1= Royal Ascot
 
There are some great races on today`s card but from a betting point of view I`m happy just to study the 2m4f handicap at 5.00pm.
 
Last year`s winner Junior, will take all the beating but with the recent rain I have decided to select the John Gosden-trained Zigato.
It`s fair to say he has plenty of quirks but despite those I did like the way he won last timeout over 2m at today`s venue last month, even on ground that was possibly too fast for him. He looked in trouble turning for home but he stayed on stoutly down the outside to win comfortably.

I don`t usually select horses who don`t travel well, but Zigato is improving with every run and should go close with the step up in trip likely to suit.
 
2pts eway Zigato 5.00pm Ascot - 9/2 Boyles, Lads and W Hill ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/5 odds )

 WL
 

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Today`s Selection`s 13th June 2011

No Write Up from Will as he's travelling, today's bets are below....
 

6.20 Roscommon - Akasaka 1pt e/w - 20/1 Boyles ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )
 
9.00 Windsor - Marju King 1.5pts e/w - 13/2 Boyles ( Best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds, 6s General )
 
WL

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Today`s Selection`s 12th June 2011

No Write Up from Will as he's travelling, today's bets are below....
 

Chebona Bula 2.45 Roscommon - 2pts Win - 11/4 General ( best price g'teed ) - no joy
 
Barndeh 4.20 Roscommon - 1.5pts e/w - 20/1 BET365 and P Power ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds ) - Non Runner
 
WL
 

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Today`s Selection`s 11th June 2011

No Write Up from Will Today but today's bets are below....
 
2.40 York - Vainglory 1.5pts e/w - 11/1 General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds ) - finished 4th but non runners mean no return unless you played on the exchanges
 
3.50 York - Mariachi Man 1.5pts e/w - 8/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - run out of it for 3rd
 
4.30 Chester - Kingswinford 1.5pts Win - 4/1 General ( best price g'teed ) - WINNER!!!!
 
5.30 York - Orpsie Boy 1pt e/w - 9/1 BET365 and W Hill ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced
 
WL
 

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Today`s Selection`s 10th June 2011

Regular readers will know I don`t usually get involved in sprints but the Willie Musson-trained Rocket Rob, gets my vote in the 5f handicap at York (4.25).
 
The main reason I don`t get involved is as we all know you need plenty of luck to get a run sometimes.
 
However, my selection is starting to hit form, although running well to finish a close fourth at Haydock last month he possibly found the 6f too far, and on his latest start he got no sort of run inside the final furlong at Nottingham over his favoured trip 5f, albeit he still did well to finish third.
 
His biggest asset is the way he travels through his races always likes to be held up behind the fast pace and if the gaps come today it could be his day.
 
At Sandown, the 1m2f handicap (4.35) is possibly the most competitive race on the card but I like the chances of the Rod Millman-trained Shavansky.
 
Although carrying top-weight, a reproduction of his sixth placed finish behind Pekan Star at York last month should see him being involved at the business end. The form of that race is working out really well, horses that finished in-front and behind performed well in decent handicaps next timeout.
 
He is normally makes a slow exit, so be prepared to see him late on, and hopefully the weight isn`t a burden for him in the closing stages.
 
El Torbellino, could surprise the market leaders in the 1m2f stakes race at York (4.55). On pedigree you would say she would prefer a shorter distance, but I was impressed the way she battled over today`s course and distance last timeout. She chase the pace early on and to her credit, after been headed 2f out she stayed on again to finish fourth to the well-regarded Sud Pacifique last month.
She could be out of her depth today, but I do think she is capable to push them all the way.
 
The Mark Tompkins-trained Kathleen Frances, can return to the winners enclosures by taking the 1m4f handicap at York (5.30)
 
A three-time winner last season, she caught my eye on her seasonal debut over today`s course and distance last month.
 
She was very keen in the early`s stages and it took a while before she settled into a better rhythm, turning for home she was travelling sweetly up the middle of the track (the wrong place to be) and held every chance inside the final 2f, but her early exertion`s and been 7 month`s off the track took it`s toll inside the final furlong.
 
Looking at today`s opposition only two horses are in-form ( Tenhoo and Pokfulham) and should be her only dangers on recent form figures.
 
Her regular jockey Ashley Morgan takes over the reins, ( rode her all last year)  and my selection should come on from her last run and has a decent chance if doing so.
 
 
The Walter Swinburn-trained Shifting Star has decent claims in the 7f handicap at Goodwood (7.20) I`m sure the first thing your saying to yourself is that he hasn`t won a race since 2008 and he doesn`t know how too win nowadays. However, I do feel he has ran well in defeat recently in better races and should be considered.
It`s fair to say his best form is over 6f, but watching his previous races I think a step up to 7f is what he wants at this stage of his career.
 
Forget about his last run, stall 14 at Chester with no previous form at the track, you put a line through that straight away. His fifth placed finish behind the in-form Dickie Le Davoir over 6f at Leicester back in April really caught my eye. The pace was pretty quick early on and he was off the bridle 3f out racing just behind the leaders, it was no surprise to see the first four home all staying on from the rear. He did best of those who raced prominent throughout the race, and it`s worth mentioning that the first four home that day have all performed well since.
 
I possible connections will plan to track the pace considering he has a favourable draw in stall 2 and if he see`s out the extra furlong he should be in the shake-up.
 

1.5pts e-way Rocket Rob 4.25pm York - 4s General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced
 

1.5pts e-way Shavansky 4.35pm Sandown - 11/1 BETFRED, BET365, W Hill ( best price g'teed  3 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced
 

1.5pts win El Torbellino 4.55pm York - 5/1 VC, W Hill and BET365 ( best price g'teed 2 places and 1/4 odds ) - 2nd, just beat
 

2pts e-way Kathleen Frances 5.30pm York - 7/1 BET365, Lads and Boyles ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds ) - placed 4th
 

1.5pts e-way Shifting Star 7.20pm Goodwood - 8/1 W Hill ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds, 7s General ) - unplaced
 
WL
 

Yesterday`s Selections 9th June 2011
 

Invincible Ash, disappointing effort maybe the rain that fell didn`t help her cause, but still should have ran better. Result= unplaced
 
Words Of Wisdom, the step up to the mile was the key , raced in mid-div came with a well timed effort down the outside and stayed on well to win by a half length. Result=WINNER 7/1 M.P 6/1 S.P
 

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Today`s Selections 9th June 2011

At Leopardstown, Invincible Ash, should take all the beating in Ballyogan Stakes (Group 3) over 6f at 6.55pm.

The Micheal Halford-trained mare finished a well beaten seventh in this race last year but from then on she improved throughout the season. A winner of four races on home soil before she headed over to the Dubai Carnival, where she performed really well against classy opposition, her best effort was her fourth place behind the highly-regarded J J The Jet Planes over the minimum trip back in March.

Although she been off the track three months I don`t think she would need to be fully fit against tonight`s field. Regular pilot Gary Carroll is booked for the ride and should go really close to victory.

A half an hour later, the lightly raced 3-y-o Words Of Wisdom, gets my vote in the 1m handicap.

The Eddie Lynam-trained gelding has caught my eye in his last two starts.
Although he finished seventh of 15 behind Lechevalier Choisi in a decent maiden over 6f at Navan back in April, he certainly would have found that trip on the sharp-side but kept on quite well in the closing stages. On his latest start, he didn`t get the clearest of runs inside the final furlong to finish a closing sixth behind the in-form Cheers Buddy over 7f at Dundalk later that month.

Words Of Wisdom, such appreciate the step up in trip and is worth a bet in an open contest.

3pts Win Invincible Ash 6.55pm Leop - 5/2 BET365 ( best price g'teed, also 5/2 Coral ) - no joy

2pts eway Words Of Wisdom 7.25pm Leop - 7s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - WINNER!!!

Yesterday`s Selections 8th June 2011

Botham= Non-Runner

Prince Of Dance, I was happy to see the rainfall, but not too happy to see him been very keen in the early stages and chasing the fast pace widest of all. Taking that into account, he ran a sound race it looked at one stage he was going to win but his early exertion's possibly cost him victory but defiantly a place. Unlucky. Result= 4th 12/1 M.P 15/2 S.P

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Today`s Selections 8th June 2011

At Haydock, Prince Of Dance gets my vote in a very competitive 1m handicap at 4.20pm.

At first glance you would think he has no chance on recent form figures, but I feel the handicapper has given him at decent chance racing off 83. This time last year he was rated 108, but he ran so badly in six races since ,no wonder he is plummeting down the weights.

I re-watched his last two races and I thought he put in a decent effort when sixth behind Snow Bay at Ripon back in April,(plenty of horses out of that race have ran decent next time), and 38 days later although well beaten I felt he needed that race after the five weeks break when ninth of 11 behind Dubai Dynamo at the same track.

There are plenty dangers Dazeen and Dolphin Rock are just two, but his trainer Tom Tate has his horses running well at the moment and could surprise many at big odds.

Botham, is worth a bet in the 1m handicap at Hamilton (9.00). The Jim Goldie-trained gelding performed well on his seasonal debut over course and distance at the beginning of last month.

Although finishing fifth behind the in-form Euston Square beaten by six lengths, that race was much stronger than tonight`s event and the form has been boosted by the winner, second and the third next timeout.

I did expect a better run on his latest start at Musselburgh, but looking back over the race very few got into it, mainly because it`s very difficult for hold-up horses to close on the leaders on fast ground at this track when the pace is only fair early on.

My selection has ran many decent races at tonight`s venue in the past and he could go close with man-of-the-moment Danny Tudhope booked for the ride. 

1pt e-way Prince Of Dance 4.20pm Haydock - 12/1 Gen ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - 4th

1.5pts e-way Botham 9.00pm Hamilton - 5/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds ) - NR

WL

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Today`s Selections 6th June 2011
 
The Francis Flood-trained Bobby John gets the nod in the 2m4f handicap at Listowel (3.20). The son of Bob Back has improved over the recent months the better ground been the key. A good winner over 2m at Cork back in March, he gave the impression that he could win again in the near future.
 
I don`t think the tight track at Sligo played to his strengths next time, staying on at the one-pace to finish fourth. On his latest start I thought Ruby Walsh had him too far back when he stayed on really well to finish the same position over 2m2f at Punchestown last month.
 
I`m not surprised to see connections stepping him up in trip today and could be the one they all have to beat in a weak race.
 
At Naas, Jambalaya has a decent chance in the 7f handicap at 5.10pm. I,m a bit surprised she is still a maiden after promising efforts last season. On her seasonal debut she performed well even though she was beaten over five lengths by Timeless Call over 6f at Cork back in April. It is very difficult for any horse drawn in stall 1 at Cork on good ground in a six furlong handicap to be competitive. In my opinion I think she put in a decent display on her first run of the season.
My selection should appreciate the extra furlong and although her rider is inexperienced the 10lbs he takes off could be the difference in a open contest.
 
2pts eway Bobby John 3.20pm Listowel - take best morning price - 4th, place money
 
1pt eway Jambalaya 5.10pm Naas - take best morning price - WINNER!!! 9s early into 7/1sp!!!!
 
WL

Yesterday`s Selection 5 June 2011
 
Summersinerrill, I did expect better, well positioned early on and had every chance, it`s possible he hasn`t trained on or could be a chaser in the making he did jump the hurdles a bit big. Result= unplaced.

WL

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Today`s Racing 5th June 2011
 
Most eyes will be focusing on the Group races in Chantilly, but it`s very hard for punters and tipsters to be confident with their selections in France this time of the year . The racing in England and Ireland doesn`t excite me either but I do have one fancy.
 
Summersinerrill, is my choice in the 2m handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan (3.50)
 
In my opinion very few have a chance of winning on recent form, although my selection is making his handicap debut I feel his performances in maiden company are good enough to be a leading contender in a weak race.
I was impressed with his third place finish behind Days Ahead at Galway last season, the form of that race has worked out really well, the winner and runner-up (Magical Memoir) went on to win much better races than today. Although he didn`t follow in the same footsteps as them, he would have found the soft ground against him in the winter months.
 
He made his seasonal debut at today`s venue last month, he travelled well and jumped with fluency but they went pretty slow early on and was in the wrong position when the pace lifted to finish a staying on fourth behind Priors Gold.

The pace is usually quicker in handicaps which should suit, and I expect him to come on from his last run. The very capable Tim Carroll takes off a valuable 7lbs and I will be disappointed if he is not involved in the shake-up barring accidents.
 
2pts eway Summersinerrill 3.50pm Kilbeggan - 7/1 Boyles ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds, 6s General ) - unplaced

WL
 
Yesterday`s Selection 4th June 2011
 
Berling, I would of been happier if they went a bit quicker in the early stages he did take a while to get into a nice rhythm. But considering his quirks he ran pretty well, Eddie Ahern gave him an excellent ride but very few horsemen will get the better of Silvestre De Sousa in a finish when he has first run on you. Result=2nd 8/1 M.Price S.P 7/1

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Today`s Racing 4th June 2011

I have just got 1 fancy today guy`s, mainly because I found the racing very poor quality for a Saturday to be honest, I don`t enjoy studying three-year-olds form in a Group 1 race especially with no form over the trip and wondering will they handle the undulations. So I`m happy just to enjoy and take notes and leave the Derby for you to sort out. In saying that my selection today is very surprising, putting it mildly.
 
Possibly the most frustrating horse in training is the John Dunlop-trained Berling, but I`m going to select him in the very competitive 1m4f handicap at Epsom (4.50)
I`m sure most punters remember how unlucky he was at Royal Ascot last season, and I keep going over that race time and time again saying how far he would  have won if he did this or that, and I`m not forgetting that he was very disappointing throughout the rest of the season.

On his seasonal debut at Ascot last month, he came on the outside with a well-timed challenge but unfortunately he veered badly left inside the final furlong losing many lengths because of it.
So how do I know he won`t do that again? the answer is I don`t. But I`m sure his trainer is as frustrated as the horse and he has tired everything to fix the problem but with no success.
However, I have a feeling that this track may not in-convenience him in the home straight like many others have.

Considering that if he hadn`t got the quirks he has, I`m sure he would have won more races by now, so in my opinion he is very well-handicapped racing off 88.
If the change of venue is the answer he should go close.

2pts eway Berling 4.50 Epsom - 8/1 P Power ( 3 places and 1/4 odds 7s General ) - 2nd....

WL

Yesterday` Selections 3rd June
 
Extraterressial, had every chance just wasn`t good enough, I went back over the form of the race and it was a terrible choice from me apologies if you got involved, even though it was only a 1pt e-way selection. Result= un-placed
 
Hurricane Havoc, I did fancy this one a lot, but to be honest 6/4 fav there is no way I would have selected him, anyway he didn`t run his race and maybe it came too soon I don`t know time will tell. Result= 3rd
 
Opera Gal, the pace was set for him, but just lacks a bit of speed over 10 furlongs nowadays, beaten fair and square. Result =2nd M.Price 4/1 S.P 85/40

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Today`s Selections June 3rd
 
At Epsom Extraterrestrial, gets my vote in the very competitive 1m handicap at 2.10pm. The Richard Fahey-trained gelding is certainly back to his best, after a very poor 2010 campaign he started this season-off with an eye-catching run over 7f at Doncaster back in April, staying on well in the closing stages giving the impression a step up to a mile will be ideal.

The following month he raced over the mile at Thrisk and absolutely hacked up winning very easily by five lengths. Although the opposition was weak the way he won expects there is plenty more to come.
He has previous course form which is a plus, he was 7th in this race last year (should have finished closer, too far back early on) and is well drawn in stall 5. It is a wide-open race but I expect a big run and is worth a bet.
 
At the Curragh, the Jim Bolger-trained Hurricane Havoc, should take a lot of beating in the 1m4f handicap at 6.30pm. He performed well in Group company last season over inadequate distances and I was delighted to see his trainer step him up in trip last weekend at Navan, where he won with a bit in hand against decent opposition over 1m2f, in a very fast time.

I`m not worried about the extra two furlongs tonight, mainly because there is no obvious front runner. If this race doesn`t come too soon he is  clearly the one they have to beat.
 
 
The Andrew Balding-trained Opera Gal, has a decent chance in the 1m2f handicap at Doncaster (8.15). Looking back over her previous runs, it`s possible to say she is better over 12 furlongs however I feel tonight`s race isn`t that strong and I do expect her to run from the front.

She did win over 10f last season at Chester, ridden from the front by tonight`s pilot Franny Norton, who got the fractions perfect to hold-off the late challenge from the in-form Fox Hunt last September.
It`s fair to say he is going to have to ride similar tactics tonight to have the best chance of winning.
 
Both trainer/jockey are in tremendous form and if Franny gets the fractions right again she could go really close to victory.
         
1pt e-way Extraterrestrial 2.10pm Epsom - 8s General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced
 
4pts win Hurricane Havoc 6.30pm Curragh - 11/4 P Power ( best price g'teed, 9/4 General ) - 3rd
 
1pt e-way Opera Gal 8.15pm Doncaster - 4/1 BETFRED, Boyles and BET365 ( best price g'teed and 3 places 1/5 odds ) - placed
 
0.5pts eway Treble
 

WL               

Yesterday`s Selections
 
All Right Now, really appreciated the step down to 7f and had to much speed for Koo And The Gang. He stayed on really well. Result=WINNER M.Price 7/2
 
Sox`s Girl, although she didn`t get a place for us, she travelled well and came there with a chance but got tired inside the last 2f, the 74 day break and distance may have been against her. I will be watching where she lines up next time that is for sure. Result= 5th
 
 

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Today`s Selections - 2nd June 2011
 
All Right Now, gets my vote in the 7fur handicap at Southwell (4.00). Going through his form you will only see two good runs, they were over 1m at today`s venue. On both occasions he went off very fast and kept that pace up, until getting tired inside the final furlong.

I`m glad to see him drop back in trip today, and has every chance to reverse the form with his likely danger Koo And The Gang, went they met last month. He gave him 6lbs that day for a 2l beaten, but today he receives 2lb and he has a good draw in stall 5 (K.A.T.G stall 11 ?).

Although you have to forgive his last run (didn`t handle the surface at Kempton) he should push the likely favourite all the way over today`s distance.
 
 
Regular followers of my selections will know that it`s very rare I select horses that is off the track for more than 2 months but I have to take the chance that the Arthur Goulding-trained Sox`s Girl is fit and well, if so she has an excellent chance in the 2m4f handicap at Tipperary (7.00)
 
The form of her second place finish to Arguidos and her sixth place finish to Turner Brown back in October, is by far the best form on show. I spent a good while going over tonight`s oppositions form and it doesn`t look up to much.
The track and trip will suit, and she will love the fast ground, and as I said above if she is ready to run she should go really close.
 
1.5pts eway All Right Now 4.00pm Southwell - 100/30 W Hill and Lads ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - WINNER!!! led all the way...
 
1pt eway Sox`s Girl 7.00pm Tipperary - 12/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 4 place and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced

WL
 
Yesterday`s Selections
 
Jamesie= Non-Runner (stone bruise
 
Aristotelian, very poor performance, a bad selection from myself to be honest. A bit annoyed that I didn`t stick with An Mhi I tipped him up last time it ran. Result= Un-Placed
 
Petella, as I said before in many reviews, I don`t like blaming the jockey but I don`t know what P.J McDonald was doing inside the final furlong. He had the race won but he never whose his whip until the last 40 yards to make sure, very strange indeed. We GOT DONE by a head. Result= 2nd
 
** Note don`t be afraid to e-mail if you don`t agree with my reviews and I would love to answer any questions.

Cheers Will.
 

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Today`s Selections June 1st
 
At Ripon, the George Baker-trained Petella can return to winning ways by taking the 2m handicap at 9.10pm.
I was really impressed with her course and distance success last month, always travelling well throughout the contest, cruised into the lead 2f out and stayed on well to win by six lengths.
 
On her latest start at Newcastle the race wasn`t run to suit, held-up in rear, the early pace was very slow and when it quicken up she had no chance to close on the easy winner Bollin Judith, but still did well to get within five lengths of the winner with a six length gap back to the third horse (who won next timeout).
Tonight`s race should be run at a decent pace with usual front-runner Gaselee declared to run, and my selection should take all the beating.
 
At Tippeary, the 5f sprint handicap (6.00) could be set-up for the David Marnane-trained Jamesie.
It`s fair to say that five furlongs is possibly a bit sharp for my selection considering he stayed on really well over 6f at Chester last timeout, but six of the eight runners in tonight`s field like to race from the front.
So I do expect the early pace to be furious and if he can keep tabs with them he might be able to swoop late to claim the prize.
 
I don`t like getting involved in low-grade handicaps that often but I feel that Aristotelian, has decent claims in the extended 7f handicap at 7.00pm.
 
He went into my notebook when he stayed on really well from an impossible position to finish fourth behind the much improved Boynagh Joy, at Dundalk last September, been drawn in stall 12 didn`t help matters either. I did expect him to perform better than he did in his next three races and it`s hard to tip him up with any confidence, but those races were run at a very slow pace which would have been against him.
He has no worries about the pace being slow tonight with the likely trailblazer Mrs Batt in the field, and could surprise many at a decent price.
 
 
1.5pts eway Jamesie 6.00pm Tipp - 6s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )

1pt eway Aristotelian 7.00pm Tipp - 14s General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

3pts win Petella 9.10pm Ripon - 11/4 General ( best price g'teed )

WL
 
 Yesterday`s Selection May 31st
 
Polperro, much better performance raced prominent this time and got into a battle against two well-bred animals and just went down inside the closing stages to finish 3rd with a long way back to the fourth. The time was very fast and I wouldn`t be surprise to see him over a bit further next time. Plenty of support for this fellow happy to get the place. Result= 3rd M.Price 8/1 S.P 7/2

WL

Today`s Racing May 31st
 
At Yarmouth the John Gosden-trained Polperro could be the one to follow in what looks a decent 1m maiden at 6.55pm.

He certainly caught my eye on his racecourse debut when he finished fourth of 16 behind Aomen over tonight`s course and distance last month. He was slowly into stride and very green in the early stages and was been ridden 3f from home, although he was beaten by five lengths he did make up a lot of ground inside the final furlong. It`s also worth mentioning he was misbehaving in the parade ring and went to the start 20 mins before the off-time.

His trainer has a good-strike rate at this track (22 wins from 86 starts) and I do expect my selection to have learned a lot from his debut run. Although there is plenty of well-bred horses from big stables in the field, I give Polperro a decent each-way chance.
 
 
1pt each-way Polperro 6.55pm Yarmouth - 8/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - ran well in 3rd
 
WL

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Today's Selections 30th May 2011 -

No Bet Today

WL

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Today`s Selections May 29th

Today`s Selection

The Micheal Halford-trained Saint By Day gets my vote in the 1m2f handicap at Leopardstown (4.55). It`s fair to say he his best form is on the all-weather, but he went into my notebook back in 2009 where he finished seventh to Crimson Sky over today`s trip at Navan.

The reason I`m mentioning that run is that he is capable of performing well on the turf. In my opinion he is at best when he is held-up off a strong pace, there are four front runners in today`s contest so the race should be run to suit.

On his seasonal debut he certainly would have found the 1m trip on the the sharp-side at Dundalk last month, although he did stay on well from the rear to finish a closing fifth.

He looks well-handicapped and if he can translate his form to the turf (which I think he can) he should go really close at a decent price.

2pts eway Saint By Day 4.55pm Leopardstown - 8/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced

WL

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Today`s Selections May 28th

Buccaneer Bob, looks interesting in 1m2f handicap at Navan (5.00) The handicapper has giving him a rating of 76 which seems fair, although he finished eight beaten by 11 lengths behind Quest For Peace over today`s trip at Leopardstown last month the form of that race is working out well the 3rd,6th,7th and 9th performed really well in better races next timeout.

My selection would have found the 7f trip at Dundalk a bit on the sharp-side on his latest start, but he stayed on well inside the final furlong to finish a closing fifth to Golden Shoe.

He should appreciate the step back up in trip and looks to have a decent chance in his first handicap.

The Amanda Perrett-trained Trovare gets mt vote in 1m6f handicap at Newmarket (5.45) I was impressed with his fourth place finish behind Sunny Game at Epsom over 1m4f on his seasonal debut last month. He travelled really well for a long way but the distance would have been a bit sharp on this track, and only stayed on at the one pace. The form of that race is working out well the second Harlestone Times, the third Rock A Doodle Doo and fifth Zigato, all won decent handicaps next time out.

On his latest start he ran a sound race to finish third behind Yorgunnabelucky over course and distance and I feel today`s race is a step down in class and should be in the shake-up if in the same form.

2pts eway Buccaneer Bob 5.00pm Navan - 5/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - WINNER!!!

2pts eway Trovare 5.45pm Newmarket - 5/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds - 6s with Skybet ) - placed in 3rd

WL

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Today`s Racing May 27th
 
Not for the 1st time this month the racing is very poor for a Friday, but I wouldn`t be surprised if the Ken Condon-trained Sebadee came back to form in the 2m4fur handicap hurdle at Cork (7.00)
 
Although he was pulled up on his last two starts those races were very competitive handicap chases at Fairyhouse and Punchestown. He was actually going o.k in the Irish Grand National until he made a bad error at the 4th last and possibly his next outing came too soon for him, only 11 days off the track he was pulled up early on.

He form over the smaller obstacles is very consisted especially on good ground, he has never finished out of the frame in six races on a decent surface.
A reproduction of his 3rd place finish behind the well-regarded Grey Soldier or his 4th place finish behind the talented Silverhand back in July of last year could see him run well at a decent price.

1pt each-way Sebadee 7.00pm Cork - 8/1 Boyles ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

WL

 
Yesterday`s Selections
 
Porthaw, he did learn a lot from his last outing, he made a quick exit and was always in front, battled on really well to hold-off all challenges inside the last furlong. It was a poor maiden but he was very gutsy all the same. Result= WINNER 7/1 M.Price S.P 4/1
 
Chebona Bula, as I said it was a step down in class and I would be disappointed if he wasn`t in the shake-up. He did look well handicapped on his all-weather form and he had no problems reverting back to the turf, maybe his trainer won`t be too happy with the handicapper, he might put him up 8-10 lbs in the future for his easy victory. Result= WINNER 10/1 M.Price S.P 4/1

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Today`s Racing - 26th May 2011

We have a very high class card at Sandown tonight 2 Group races, 2 Listed races and 2 tricky handicaps to sort out. But I couldn`t pin down a selection. I happy to just watch and take notes for the future.
 
At Clonmel, the Paul Magnier-trained Porthaw caught my eye at Naas last timeout and is worth a bet in the 1m2f maiden at 6.05pm.

He was slowly away and had to be niggled along to keep in-touch, but as the race went on he travelled a lot better and he stayed on at the one pace inside the last 2f to finish fifth behind the in-form Red Shaheen. But it`s worth mentioning he had to give 15lbs  to the opposition for age allowance and jockey Gary Carroll wasn`t that hard on him once his chance had gone.

I do expect him to have learned a lot from his last run and should be involved in the finish if doing so.
 
The 1m 2fur handicap at 7.10pm looks tricky to say the least, but I fancy the Eoin Doyle-trained Chebona Bula to go close.

To be honest I don`t like bringing all-weather form to the turf but his last two starts at Dundalk, were decent performances against experienced horses who know their way around the Co.Louth track.

I was quite keen on his run last month when he finished seventh to Keep It Cool over 1m4f. He was held-up travelling well in rear but made his move turning for home widest of all and closed on the leaders at the 2f pole but then stayed on at the one pace inside the final furlong.

 In my opinion I feel today`s trip will be more to his liking, he does travelled well and doesn`t have to be held-up, I think he will be ridden closer to the pace to take full advantage of his good draw in stall 2.

Tonight`s race is a step down in class and I will be disappointed if he is not in the shake-up.
 
 
1.5pts each-way Porthaw 6.05 Clonmel - 7/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed, 3 places and 1/5 odds )
 
2pts each-way Chebona Bula 7.10pm Clonmel - 10/1 Boyles ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )
 
WL

Yesterday`s Selection

Lady Gar Gar, no excuses tracked the front runners and had every chance but just wasn`t good enough to catch them. No harm done e-way the only way sometimes. Result= 3rd, 9/2 M.Price S.P 3/1

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Today`s Selection - 25th May 2011
 
At Beverley Lady Gar Gar, gets my vote in the 1m handicap at (8.30). The first thing I noticed is that Silvestre De Sousa is not on board he is riding for Mark Johnston ( and good for him if he lands a job with that trainer) but champion jockey Paul Hanagan is a fine replacement.

I`m happy to put a line through her last outing the pace was slow early which doesn`t suit, she prefers chasing a fast pace early doors. There are two front runners declared for tonight`s contest ( Dr Red Eye and Vetvey ) which will be ideal for her, a bigger plus would be if both of them take each other on for the lead.

She has two wins to her name, in those races the pace was generous throughout, and she stayed on really well to get her head in-front.

I will be a bit worried if any of the front runners don`t line-up, so wait as near to the off time as you can if you decide to get involved.

 
2pts each-way Lady Gar Gar 8.30pm Beverley - 9/2 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )
 
WL

Yesterday`s Selection
 
El Torbellino was a Non-Runner

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Today`s Selection May 24th
 
Regular viewers of my column will know I don`t usually get involved in seven horse races, but I am very interested in the David O`Meara trained El Torbellino in 1m2f handicap at Ripon (3.10)
 
It`s fair to say going by her pedigree she would struggle to stay 10 furlongs, but watching her previous races she would appreciate today`s distance.

Although finishing 7th beaten ten lengths by Belgian Bill on her seasonal debut, the form of that race is working out really well. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th all performed well next timeout in better company.
On her latest start, she raced prominent early on, got headed 3f out but battled-on to finish a closing 4th to well-regarded horses from big stables over today`s distance at York two weeks ago.

Top Jockey Silvestre De Sousa, is booked for the ride and I wouldn`t be surprised if he gets the better of the more fancied horses in the market.

*** Note I can see my selection being gambled-on ***

1pt Win El Torbellino 3.10 Ripon - 8/1 BETFRED and VC ( best price g'teed )

WL
 
Yesterday`s Selections
 
Maryiver, wasn`t at the races today, disappointing run. Result= Un-placed
 
Triple Aspect, got beaten by an improving horse but he ran well to finish 2nd. Result= 2nd M.Price 6/1 S.P 7/2 rule 4 10p in pound.
 

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Yesterday`s Selections May 22nd
 
Moriarty, he was slowly away held-up in rear, and came widest of all to make his challenge. He has an awkward head-carriage which doesn`t help matters in a close finish, although he wasn`t good enough to catch the winner he did well to get up for second. Result= 2nd S.P 11/2
 
Vivacious Vivienne, I`m not talking through my pocket, but i`m my opinion I thought nothing went right for her during the race. I spoke about pace in a race before how important it is for hold-up horses. The pace was very slow early on, and although she travelled o.k there was a wall of horses in front of her turning for home and she didn`t get the clearest of runs on two occasions. I`m not staying she would have won but certainly would have been challenging for a place. She stayed on well to finish a closing 7th. I will be keeping a close eye for her next outing.
 
 Today`s Selections May 23rd
 
At Windsor, the William Haggas-trained Triple Aspect has a decent chance to repeat last year`s success in the 6fur Listed Event at 7.40pm. The very talented 5-y-o has been competing in Group races since that win, and tonight`s race is certainly a step down in class. He is at best when the pace is strong throughout the contest and that should be the case tonight if Libranno and Evens And Odds line-up. A reproduction of his fifth place finish behind Delegator on his latest start at York, should see him involved at the finish.
 
At Sligo, although Dibella could take a lot of beating, but I am happy to select Maryriver to upset the likely favourite in the 2m4fur handicap at 7.20pm My selection likes to dominant her races and this right-handed track is ideally suited for front runners when the jockey sets the right fractions. She ran well in her last two starts over hurdles finishing runner-up both times, but would have found 2 miles on the sharp-side.

The rain has been falling over the weekend and she will have no problem with the ease in the ground and could take a bit of catching.
 
 
1pt each-way Maryriver 7.20pm Sligo - 8/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds and 6s General )
 
2pts each--way Triple Aspect 7.40pm Windsor - 5/1 VC and W Hill ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )
 

WL

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Yesterday`s Selections May 21st
 
Lightening Stricks, travelled well behind the leaders came there with every chance at the 2f pole but didn`t find much off the bridle as expected. He did go as low as 2.4 in-running but maybe the rain that fell continuously went against him. Result= Un-placed
 
Hitchens, finally got the Group win he deserves, travelled well behind leaders the gap came and he stayed on well to win going away. Result= Winner M.Price 9/2 S.P 11/4
 
Merchant Of Medici. was a prime example what happens to  hold-up horses when the pace is only fair throughout the contest the 1st+2nd never changed . Good ride from the first two home, bad positional ride from Jim Crowley. Got going too late. Result= Un-placed
 
Today`s Selections May 22nd
 
At the Curragh, the Richard Hannon-trained Moriarty gets my vote in the 1m2f Group3  event at 2.40pm. His trainer always said he will be a better horse over ten furlongs. I was please with his seasonal debut run over 9f in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket`s Guineas meeting. The pace was slow early but he travelled well in rear and  stayed on well with a hand and heels ride from Richard Hughes to finish a close third behind the in-from Dordogne.
Today`s race looks wide-open but I expect my selection to improve a lot from his latest run, and with Ryan Moore in the saddle he should go close.
 
An hour later the 1m4f handicap could easily be won by the well-handicapped Jack Cool, but I`m happy to give Vivacious Vivienne the nod at a decent price. She finished last season off in great style winning a Premier Handicap over today`s trip at Leopardstown last September.
 
The daughter of Dubai Destination made her seasonal debut in a Listed event over 9f at Gowran Park three weeks ago. She ran a sound race over a trip way too sharp for her finishing a close fourth to the much improved Banimpire. On her latest start, she finished fifth to the same horse in a Group Three contest over 1m2f at Naas ten days later. There was no pace at all in the race (6 secs above standard) which wouldn`t have suited the twice winner over 12 furlongs.
 
The Donal Kinsella-trained mare should appreciate the step up in trip and I`m happy to see connections  booking the very capable Conor Hoban, his seven pound allowance is a big plus and could surprise at a big price.
 
2pts each-way Moriarty 2.40 Curragh - 9/2 General ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/5 odds )

1.5pts each-way Vivacious Vivienne 3.40 Curragh - 16/1 P Power ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds, 14s General )
 
WL

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21st May Selections -

Not the best way to start going into the weekend tipping two losers. Slade. as I thought went to the front, but in my opinion I did think he should have gone a bit quicker early on to bring his stamina into play but he didn`t and he got and let the 7fur horses take over near the finish. The same applies to Kristal Komet, he got to the front early on but didn`t go fast enough to bring his stamina into to play either considering he stay`s 2m. Disappointing but we move on.

Today`s Selections -

At the Curragh, the David Barron-trained Hitchens, has a big chance to claim his first victory in a Group race by taking the 6fur Group 3 at 3.10pm.. I`m not surprised to see English trainers going over the water to have a crack at these type of races. For the last few years the Irish have struggled in the sprint contests at this level. As we know Dandy Nicholls has cleaned up in the past over 5/6fur races. Hitchens, travels really well in his races and is best coming from behind over 6fur. Its fair to say sometimes the gaps don`t appear but thats racing, Fran Berry gets the job tomorrow and a reproduction of his latest run should be good enough for him to go close.

The 1m handicap at 4.40pm is possibly the hardest race on the card to sort out but the Richard Brabazon-trained Lightening Stricks is improving and is one to follow. To be honest I don`t like using form from the all-weather tracks but I am a big fan of this horse and if he can translate that form to the turf he has a big shout. He won his last two starts very easily at Dundalk over todays trip and yes the handicapper might have his say but I think he is capable to improve even more this season just a question mark can he do it on turf. If he does he should be involved at the finish.

At Newbury, Merchant Of Medici, gets my vote in the 1m handicap at 7.05pm.The Willie Muir-trained gelding is best when coming off a fast pace, there are plenty of front runners in the field and should have the race run to suit. He goes into tonights race in fine form, his tenth place finish over course and distance last month is working out well many of the horses that finished in front of him have done really well next timeout. On his latest start he stayed on well from rear to win in fine style over todays trip at Kempton. The handicapper only put him up 4lbs for that win and he is well capable of going close off today`s mark.

Advice -

Curragh 3.10 - Hitchens 2pts e/w - 9/2 Corals ( 4s Genearal and 3 places 1/5 odds )

Curragh 4.50 - Lightening Strikes 1pt e/w -  9s General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

Newbury 7.05 - Merchant of Medici 2pts e/w - 6s W Hill ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds , 11/2 General )

WL

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Selections May 20th -

To be honest the racing is very poor for a Friday. In England with all the meetings that are on nothing caught my eye. But I do have an interest at Wexford.

The Andrew Heffernan-trained Slade has an eway chance in the 1m handicap at 5.55pm. The son of Orpen was a very consistent performer last season six times

never out of the 1st three in seven races. Although he was well beaten on his seasonal debut at Leopardstown back in March, he ran a much better race next time

at Dundalk where he finished fourth giving 15lbs to the well-handicap Final Recovery.

The key to tonight`s race is getting into a good position early on, he is well drawn in stall 4 and he likes to race prominent in his races so that should be in his favour. Wexford is a sharp right-handed track and it`s very difficult to come from behind so prominent horses have a great-strike rate at this venue. I expect him to be up there all the way and fighting it out in the closing stages. His jockey Danny Mullins is riding well lately and could go close at a decent price.

Kristal Komet , gets my vote in the 1m6f handicap 7.25pm. The Tracy Collins-trained filly likes to dominate from the front, she nearly pull-it off last timeout only to get caught inside the last 100 yards at Clonmel last April. She will have no problems trying to get to the front early on with a good draw in stall 1, and if jockey Pat Shanahan sets the right fractions tonight she will take a lot of catching.

1.5pts each-way Slade - 

5.55 Wexford - 8s General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

3pts Win - Kristal Komet 7.25 Wexford - 3/1 Boyles ( best price g'teed - 11/4 and 5/2 Elsewhere )

WL

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Selections May 19th

At Haydock. the John Makie-trained Arizona John gets my vote in the 1m4f handicap at 5.35pm. I noticed when I was going over his form that he is a much better performer when he is held-up off a strong pace. That didn`t happen in his first two starts this season, so I`m going to put a line through that form. On his latest run he was held-up in rear, the pace was fair and he stayed on quite well inside the final furlong to finish a closing seventh of 15 in a decent handicap over today`s trip at York last week.

There are a few front runners in today`s field and he should get the strong gallop he likes and could go close at a decent price.

At Tipperary, Lizzie Bennett looks to have a decent chance in 2m handicap hurdle at 5.40pm. The Bill McCreery-trained mare has proved herself on the level, but she hasn`t done too badly over the smaller obstacles either.

She was an impressive winner of a weak maiden hurdle at Clonmel back in June and she performed well in better company in the Autumn months. Possibly her best effort was her third place finish behind Steeltown at Roscommon last September, where she stayed on from the rear and was coming to make a challenge at the last but made a bad mistake and almost un-shipped her rider. The form of that race reads well into the contexts of this evening`s event.

Although she was well beaten at Roscommon on her seasonal debut 10 days ago, in the past she has needed that run and should be a lot sharper tonight. The very capable Keith Donoghue takes off 5lbs which could make all the difference in a competitive race.

1.5pts E-Way Arizona John 5.35 Haydock - 20/1 VC and W Hill ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

2pts E-Way Lizzie Bennett 5.40 Tipp - 10s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )

WL

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Today`s Selection May 18th

At Punchestown, the Ted Walsh-trained Royal Reveille looks to have decent claims in the 3m handicap hurdle at (8.10)

On his seasonal debut he put in an eye-catching performance when finishing sixth of 30 behind recent Punchestown winner Oneeightofamile over 2m at Navan back in September. He made up a lot of ground from the rear giving the impression that a step up 2m4f+, will be ideal for him next timeout. It`s possible that connections delayed that decision due to the bad ground during the winter months, considering that he was  point-to-point winner over 3 miles on good ground back in 2009.

He raced over 2m4f at the beginning of last month at Gowran Park where he finished sixth beaten by ten lengths by the in-from Lascalahall, he may have needed that run having been of the track for 77 days. I was surprised to see him run over 2m at Fairyhouse three weeks later although he travelled well, he certainly found that trip on the sharp-side. finishing a well beaten fifth behind Nearest The Pin.

Tonight`s trip and ground should be ideal for him, and with Ruby Walsh booked for the ride he could take all the beating.

3pts win Royal Reveille  8.10 Punch - 4s Ladbrokes ( best price g'teed )

WL

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17th May -

Yesterday's Selections

Miss Salinger, was disappointing didn`t jump with any fluency and never got
competitive. She will struggle to find the winners enclosure this season.
Result= Un-Placed

Cockney Trucker, despite carrying top-weight he ran a very game race, always
tracking the fast pace he turned for home in front but just got tired in the
closing stages. Maybe the early pace was too fast but still happy he held on for
a place. Result= 3rd M.Price 9/1 S.P 7/2 (Rule 4 20p in the Pound)

Wiggy Smith, it did look at one stage that the 12-y-o was going to win, but
didn`t find as much as expected off the bridle, he still performed really well
on his first run since 230 days off the track. Result= 2nd M.Price 8/1 S.P 4/1
fav.

Today`s Selection
 
It`s not a great days racing I struggled to find a bet in England and I have to
pick something for the Attheraces Website in Killarney which was even harder.
 
Ain Jalout gets my vote in the 1m handicap at Killarney (8.20)
It`s fair to say tonight`s race is a very low-grade contest and recent form is
not always repeated.

My selection has finished out of the money on his first two starts of the
season ( in-experienced apprentice on board both times) although the soft ground
on his seasonal debut would have been against him and his wide draw at Cork
didn`t help matters when he finished ninth of 18 on his latest start.

The handicapper has dropped him 14lbs since 2010,(rated 63 then) but he only
raced three times that year finishing well beaten on each occasion, obviously
something was amiss for the poor efforts.He races off his lowest mark in his career and it`s worth mentioning that the
excellent Gary Carroll is booked for the ride, and could surprise many at a
decent price.

**Note if you do decided to have a bet on my selection I would advise that the
price will be a lot bigger on the  exhanges. Win and place markets.

1pt eway Ain Jalout 8.20 Kill - 16s Boyles ( best price g'teed 4 places 1\4 odds )

WL

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16th May -

Today`s Selections At Killarney, Miss Salinger, has a decent chance to lose her maiden tag in the 2m4f hurdle at 5.50pm The Jessica Harrington-trained mare improved with each run over the smaller obstacles last season. Her third place finish behind Captain Declan over today`s trip at Wexford last October was by far her best effort. The form of that race has been boosted by the second place finisher Jack Bene who has performed really well against better opposition throughout the season. Miss Salinger, shaped well on her seasonal debut where she finished fifth of 18 beaten by eleven lengths by the Willie Mullins-trained Shifa at Gowran last month. She should come on from that run and has a good chance for success this evening. At Leicester, Wiggy Smith can get back to winnings ways by taking the 1m2fur handicap at 7.40pm. Although he is making his seasonal debut at the veteran age of 12 the Henry Candy-trained gelding has performed with credit on his first start of the season on many occasions,and also won over course and distance in the past.

There is a few front runners in today`s field which will suit the hold-up performer and could go well at a decent price. At Newton Abbot, the Philip Hobbs-trained Cockney Trucker has sound claims in the 2m3fur handicap hurdle at 3.20pm.

I am very surprised that the son of Presenting, has not achieved more victories at this stage of his career. In my opinion the reason for this is that he is finding two mile races too sharp for him. Although he has performed well all season in big handicaps, the step up in trip could show him in an even better light. Today`s race will be difficult to win under top-weight but he has gone close in the past under those circumstances in the past. He is worth a bet at valuable odds.

 1pt eway Cockney Trucker 3.20pm N/Abb  - 9s General ( 3 places and 1/4 odds, best price g'teed )

1.5pts eway Miss Salinger 5.50pm Killarney - 9/1 Paddy Power ( 3 places 1/5 odds and best price g'teed )

         1pt eway Wiggy Smith 7.40pm  Leicester - 10/1 Coral and W Hill ( 3 places and 1/5 odds )

WL

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15th May -

Will's tips today are on the ATR site now - they only concern Irish Racing and he is currently covering for Gary O'Brien.

Bets -

Kill 3.55 - Boland's Corner 1pt e/w - 12s P Power - unplaced

Nav 4.15 - Haziyna 2pts Win - 11/4 General - WINNER!!! 3/1sp

Nav 4.45 - Fairylike 1.5pts e/w - 14s Betfred - 2nd!! into 7/2!!

WL

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14th May -

The Dessie Hughes-trained Datokepe will take a lot of beating in the 3m hurdle at 7.20pm.

He has performed well over shorter distances in the past but I feel the step up in trip will be more to his liking. Although he was well beaten by Marlay Park at Fairyhouse (2m5f) last timeout he travelled really well throughout the contest but got out-paced 3fur from home and lost his position but stayed on again after the last.

The son of Lord Americo will have no problems on tonight`s faster conditions and should go close to victory barring any accidents.

I have been waiting a good while now for the Brian Ellison-trained Abergavenny to be stepped up in trip and has decent claims in 1m6f handicap at Newmarket (2.50)I always made a note after each-time he ran last season that he will be suited by a step up to 1m6f+ but the furthest he raced was 1m4f. The ex-Mark Johnston-trained gelding had no problem racing quite frequent last season and he
has been a busy servant of late with two victory`s over the hurdles to add to his C.V. I`m my opinion he is very well-handicap off 84 and today`s jockey Paul Pickard takes off a valuable 3lb and should go close to winning today`s event.

Ardlui, was a big eye-catcher for me last timeout and should be backed in 1m4f at Thirsk (2.40) The Willie Haggas-trained colt ran a promising race in a very decent maiden at Newbury last month. He was held up in rear travelling really well but he just got a bit out paced turning for home and stayed on nicely to finish sixth behind well-regarded horses. I expect him to come on from his
seasonal debut and he should take a lot of beating today.
 
5pts Win Ardlui 2.40
Thirsk - 11/10 General ( best price g'teed ) - WINNER!!! cosy success
 
2.5pts E.way Abergavenny
2.50 Newmarket - 5/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - unplaced

5pts Win Datokepe 7.20  - WINNER!!! eased home
Kilbeggan - 11/10 BET365 ( best price g'teed )

1pt Win Treble

WL
 

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13th May -

Yesterday`s Selections

London Plane, ran poorly in my opinion although maybe a step up to a mile will suit her better in the future I did think she would run better than her finishing position, Result=4th

Pintura, he was very unlucky inside the final furlong got checked twice when jockey Jamie Spencer was looking to get out. It would have been close at the finish hard to say weather he would have won.　Happy he held on for the place though. Result= 4th M.Price 6/1 S.P 4/1

It`s a very busy day a lot of selections but I don`t expect you to get involved in all them. I selected four from Ireland because A.T.R asked me to chat about my selections. on the Friday`s Focus Show at 1pm.

Today`s Selections

At Newbury, Stella Point went into my notebook after she made an eye-catching performance on her debut at today`s track last month and has a decent claims in the 1m2f Listed race at 2,10pm The pace was slow early and she was held up in rear but under a hands and heels effort she stayed on quite nicely to finish third. The Mick Channon- trained filly has big entries this season and I expect her to come on from that run and should be in the shake-up today.

At Newcastle, Rosbay caught my eye on his seasonal debut when he came from a long way back to finish a creditable fourth to the in-form Frontline Phantom over 1m2f　at Doncaster back in April. The Tim Easterby-trained gelding found the 1m trip too sharp for him next timeout at Thirsk and should appreciate the step back to ten furlongs tonight at 7.15pm.

An Mhi, has a decent chance in the 7f handicap at Cork (7.10) I am happy to put a line through his latest run, mainly because he was making his seasonal debut and he usually likes to race prominently(he was held-up in rear) but connections decided against that possibly due to his bad draw in stall 16 at Naas last month. The son of Namid, was an impressive winner over tonight`s trip at Tipperary last season, but I was more impressed with his third place finish over 1m behind Moonlight Rock at Dundalk back in September.

He was tracking the leaders turning into the straight and he took it up 2f out　only to give way inside the last, giving the impression that he would be better over 7fur. The form of that race is working out well, the second Boynagh Joy, went on to win four races and is now rated (100) and the fifth Blue Eyed Miss was a winner next timeout.

Tonight`s trip should be more to his liking and it`s encouraging　to see　Declan McDonagh booked for the ride.

In Cork`s 1m2f handicap (8.15) Captain Dancer, is the interesting one after a decent run when making his Irish debut over today`s trip at the Curragh last month.

The ex-Barry Hills-trained gelding was no match for the well-handicapped Edward O`Grady-trained Torphichen, but he travelled really well for the first mile and kept on at the same pace　under pressure inside the final furlong to finish second just getting the better of Jumbo Rio (also very well handicapped), for the runner-up spot. Considering that the winner and the third place finisher had a fitness advantage over him it was a fair effort having been off the track for six months.

Although you can make a case for most of the runners in tonight`s　race, I feel that Captain Dancer would have needed his last run and he gets my vote in a very competitive contest.

At Dundalk, the Bill McCreery-trained Geraldines Lass, ran an eye-catching race last timeout and could be the one in the 7fur handicap at 8.30pm.

On her seasonal debut she put up a good performance to finish sixth beaten by three lengths behind Giving Orders over 1m at tonight`s venue last month. It is worth mentioning that jockey Keegan Latham never touched her with his whip and gave her a hand and heels ride inside the last two furlongs.

It`s fair to say that tonight`s race is wide open but I expect my selection to come on from her last run and to be more competitive with top jockey Pat Smullen booked for the ride. She is worth an each-way bet at decent odds.

A half an hour later Johnnys Legacy could take all the beating in the extended 1m2f handicap. The David Marnane-trained gelding has raced twice over eight furlongs　at tonight`s venue certainly giving the impression that a step up in trip would suit him better.

She made her seasonal debut over 1m at the Co. Louth track two weeks ago, where　he finished second beaten by only a neck behind Appletreemagic. But to his credit he did really well to finish so close to the winner, he travelled widest of all throughout the contest (which is a big dis-advantage around this track) losing many lengths on each turn.

If he is in the same form tonight he should go really close to victory.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

2pts eway Stella Point 2.10 Newbury - 5/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )

1.5pts eway Rosbay 7.15 Newcastle - 15/2 P Power and W Hill ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )

1pt eway An Mhi 7.10pm Cork　- 12s Boyles ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

2pts eway Captain Dancer 8.15pm Cork  - 6s Boyles ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )

1.5pts eway　Geraldines Lass 8.30pm Dundalk - 16s BET365 and Boyles ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 oddds )

2.5pts win Johnnys Legacy 9.00pm Dundalk - 5/1 BET365 and Boyles ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

WL

*** Note All my selections in Ireland from May10th-19th will be on the home page
on Attheraces.com

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12th May -

Yesterday`s Selections

Atiya = Non-Runner

Satwa Moon, had every chance travelled well in mid-division tried to close 2f
out but stayed on at the one-pace. After watching the race again I don`t think
he is as good as last year and will struggle to win a race this season.Result=
6th

Rose Bonheur, travelled well throughout quicken up nicely inside the last 2fur
to win in good style. She is one you should run up a sequence of wins this
season.  Result= WINNER S.P 3/1
 
Today`s Selections
 
At York, Pintura can continue his good start to the season by taking the 1m
handicap at 3.00pm
 
The David Simcock-trained gelding caught my eye at Newbury last month, where he
stayed on well from the far-side of the pack( the pace was up the center) to
finish second to Light Of Mars over today`s distance. He came out again three
weeks later to finish a gallant second to Kyllachy Star, at Chester. He did best
of those who raced prominent throughout and he just got nailed on the line.

Although today`s race is a lot more competitive he is in the best for of his
life and should go close with the excellent Silvestre De Sousa ( he owes us a
good run) booked for the ride.
 
The Tommy Stack-trained London Plane gets my vote in the 7f maiden at Gowran
 (6.20). The daughter of Danehill Dancer ran a promising race on her debut when
she finished third to the more experienced Asheerah at Limerick last month.
She travelled sweetly throughout the contest and stayed on in good style from
the rear to finish three lengths behind the Kevin Prendergast-trained filly, the
form of that race is working out well.

The winner stepped up in class and finished second in a Listed race next
timeout, and the runner-up Dance Secretary, went on to win next time and on her
latest start she finished third in the 1,000 Guineas Trial (Group Three) at
Leopardstown last weekend.

Although there are plenty of dangers in tonight`s race, I do think she would
have learned a lot from her debut run and continue her stable`s good
early-season form.
 
1.5pts eway Pintura.3.00p. York - 6s General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )
 
2pts Win London Plane 6.20 Gowran - 5/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed )

WL

*** Note All my selections in Ireland from May10th-19th will be on the home page
on Attheraces.com

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11th May -

Yesterday`s Selection.

Wood Fair, as I thought she missed the break help up travelled well she found
most gaps but got checked once or twice and stayed on really well but the
winning post came too soon unlucky. A more galloping track will suit her best.
Result= 2nd M.Price 15/2 S.P 11/2

Today`s Selections

At York, the Ed Dunlop-trained Satwa Moon gets my vote in 1m4f handicap at
3.35pm.

I spent a long time going through the form of this race and in my opinion the
best piece of form to bring to the table is his fifth place finish behind The
Fonz, over course and distance back in August of last year.

He was badly drawn in stall 16, chasing the pace throughout the contest on the outside but to his credit he battled on gamely to finish just four lengths behind the winner. The form of that race has worked out really well with many horses behind him winning next timeout.

He made his seasonal debut over 10 furlongs at Newbury last month, where he
finish a creditable third to the Micheal Stoute-trained Modun. He would have
found that trip on the sharp-side and the step up in trip today will be more to
his liking. Frankie Dettori, is booked for the ride and with his good draw in
stall 7 he is one of the leading players in a competitive race.

The Kevin Prendergast-trained Rose Bonheur is worth following in the 6f handicap
at 6.30pm. The lightly raced three-year-old deservedly lost her maiden tag over
5f at Tipperary last month. She showed plenty of speed down the center of the
track and won the battle against the Ken Condon-trained Marvada, and the further
they went the more she pulled away near the finish. She certainly would have
found that trip on the sharp-side considering she stayed on for pressure in each
of her second place finishes over 6f/7f.

On her seasonal debut she put up a good performance when second to the highly regarded Aidan O`Brien-trained Sing Softly, over 6f at the Curragh back in March. The winner went on win a listed race next timeout and subsequently finish
second to Barefoot Lady in the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket. On the basis of those efforts she looks reasonably handicap and could be the one they all have to beat.

Atiya is an intriguing runner in the 7f handicap at 8.00pm. The Pat Flynn-trained filly caught my eye in each of her three starts last season.

She shaped quite well on her debut in a 1m maiden at Dundalk back in September, staying on steadily to finish seventh of 14 beaten by nine lengths after losing as many lengths at the start.

The daughter of Medecis, was dropped to 7f nine days later at Listowel, she again showed promise making headway from the back, keeping on steadily to finish fourth beaten by three lengths behind the more experienced Indicative. Her third run was possibly her best performance, again staying on from the back to finish fifth to the David Wachman-trained Paraphernalia, over 7f at Gowran ten days later. The form of that race has worked out really well, with the second,third, fourth and sixth all performing well in competitive races next timeout.

Although giving the impression that she is possibly best over a trip of 1m+, I feel she may race prominent this evening mainly because she has a good draw in stall three nearest the rail which is the place to be over 7f at Naas.

Tonight`s race won`t take much winning and her trainer is well capable of having them ready making their seasonal debut and could surprise many at a decent price.

2pts eway Satwa Moon 3.35pm York - 6s General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

3pts win Rose Bonheur 6.30pm Naas - 3s Boyles and BET365 ( best price g'teed )

1pt eway Atiya 8.00pm Naas - 6s General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

*** Note All my selections in Ireland from May10th-19th will be on the home page
on Attheraces.com

WL

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10th May -

Yesterday`s Selections

Celestial Prospect, to be honest I couldn`t fault his effort, track the pace
throughout, turning for home held every chance came there but didn`t get home.
Maybe the rain they had didn`t help Result= 5th

Reasons Unknown, the same applies, track the pace throughout, turning for home
held every chance came there but didn`t get home. Again maybe the rain they had didn`t help Result= 6th

Today`s Selection

I wasn`t going to select a bet today but I have a horse in my notebook from last
season. Wood Fair is worth a bet in the extended 1m2fur Handicap at Warwick
(5.40).

The daughter of Trade Fair, was very unlucky over today`s distance at Ayr, back in August, of last year. She was slowly away (usually is) held up travelling well made her move 3f from home but didn`t get a clear run and then was hampered inside the final furlong and kept on well beaten by 3ls. I did watch out for her but the ground turned against her in the months of Sept-Oct.She made her seasonal debut two weeks at Wolverhampton, over 1m1fur the pace was slow early but to her credit she stayed on well and was closing on the leaders but the winning post came too soon.

Although she has a terrible draw in stall 18, it may not hinder her chances because she will be help up anyway. The very capable Harry Bentley, takes off 5lb and if he can manage to weave her way into contention she should be thereabouts at the finish.

1pt eway + 2pts Place
Wood Fair 5.40pm Warwick - 7/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed, 15/2 VC, 4 places and 1/4 odds )

WL

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9th May -

Yesterday`s Selections

Prophete De Guye= Non- Runner

Rock Medley, I was surprised that he didn`t race closer to the pace, giving that stamina was not an issue. He did try and reel in the leader inside the last furlong, but the fractions that were set by the winning jockey only suited his mount. To be honest it was a good ride from the front by Murtagh. Result= 2nd

Cornakill, ran really well considering the draw she had, and made her challenge down the middle of the track, I did think she got up for 4th but lost out in the photo. I will give her another chance . Result= 6th

Today`s Selections

At Roscommon Celestial Prospect, makes his handicap debut in the 1m4fur Handicap at 6.50pm. He has caught my eye on in each of his three starts. Most noticeably in his fifth place finish behind Ezalli, at the Curragh, last September. Although having to give weight all round for age, he still put in a gutsy performance to finish a close fifth. The form of that race is working out well, and a reproduction of that run could see him go close at a decent price.

A half an hour later Reasons Unknown, has decent claims in 1m4fur Handicap for 3-y-o. The Ger Lyons-trained colt has not had the rub of the green on three occasions this season. In each of his runs he has ran well but his last two outings he was forced to race wide throughout the contests and his first run he was giving too much to do. Tonight`s race won`t take much winning and should be
involved in the finish in a weak race.

1pt e-way Celestial Prospect 6.50pm - 14s Boyles ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds )

2pts e-way Reason`s Unknown 7.20pm - 11/2 P Power ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

2pts PLACE DOUBLE - Place via BETFAIR

WL

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8th May -

Yesterday`s Selection`s

Rock A Doodle Do, did the business for us, although turning for home I was worried if the gaps were going to come. The pace was slow, and sometimes when that happens around Ascot, it`s hard to get a run with the beaten horses getting in your way when you are trying to come from behind. But luckily he got through and stayed on in good style to win well. Result= WINNER M.Price 11/2 S.P 9/2

Kalahaag, was a disappointment and performed very poorly. Won`t be tipped again. Result= un-placed

Micheal Flips, ran very well and turning in I thought we were in with a shout, but his stamina ran out. Result=6th

Son Of Flicka, had an off day and ran poorly. Result= un-placed

Bourne, I was a bit worried when the main front runner was taken out. The pace was slow, which was against my selection but he was far better than this lot and stayed on really well win well. I think he can be competitive this season over
1m2fur(must have a strong gallop) and 1m4fur. Result-WINNER M.Price 10/11 S.P 8/11

Followers of my column on Attheraces Punchestown Mircosite- were happy when Truckers`s Delight got his head in front. There was plenty of money for him throughout the day and he did it really well from an excellent ride from Conor O`Farrell. Result= WINNER M.Price 25/1 S.P 11/1

Today`s Selections

At Worcester, the James Evans-trained Prophete De Guye has decent claims in the
3m Handicap Hurdle at 2.20pm. Although better known as a chaser, I was impressed with his last two outings
which were over the smaller obstacles. A second place finish behind the must improved Connectivity, (a winner since) at Towcester back in March, and his most recent run he stayed on really well to finish third to the in-form Paint The Clouds, at Cheltenham last month.

In my opinion today`s race is a step down in class and a reproduction of either run will see him go really close for his local handler.

At Leopardstown, Rock Medley, can get back to the winners enclosure by taking the 1m4fur Handicap at 3.45pm.

I`m not surprised to see the Jim Bolger-trained colt stepping up in trip after promising efforts over ten furlongs last month. His latest run at Cork is worth mentioning, carrying top-weight with 9st-11lb, he raced prominent throughout and came under pressure 3fur from home but stuck well to the task keeping on at one-pace to finish a gallant third.

His only win to date is over today`s trip, and he should find the step up in distance more to his liking.

The 1m Handicap (5.15) is possibly the most competitive race of the day with plenty with chances, but the Kevin Prendergast-trained Cornakill, looks interesting at a decent price. This time last year she ran really well  in the 1,000 Guineas Trial, finishing a creditable fourth to the Dermot Weld-trained Bethrah (who went on to win the Guineas two weeks later) over today`s course and distance.Although she was disappointing for the rest of the season, I did think she was running over the
wrong trips.

She made her seasonal debut at Dundalk, last month finishing seventh behind the much improved Lightening Stricks, although well beaten I thought she needed the outing and would be sharper next timeout.

It`s fair to say her stall position (18) is going to make things difficult but I have seen horses perform well from wide draws recently.

Her trainer is happy to race her without the allowances from an apprentice which is encouraging, and with a bit of luck she could be involved at the finish.

2.5pts eway
Prophete De Guye 2.20pm Worcester - 11/2 W Hill ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds - 5s General )

 
2pts Win Rock Medley
3.45pm Leopardstown - 4/1 General ( best price g'teed )
 
1pt eway Cornakill
5.15pm Leopardstown - 14/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )
 

WL

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7th May -

Yesterday`s Selections,

Thegreatjohnbrowne= Again Non-Runner due to the ground???

Baily Green, I was way off the mark and ran poorly, but to be honest the race was a farce, only two horses got involved, they were giving far too much of a start. Result= un-placed

Today`s Selections,

At Ascot Rock A Doodle Doo, could defy the handicapper by taking the 1m4fur Handicap at 4.50pm. The William Jarvis-trained colt improved all last season, and continued that improvement with fine effort on his reappearance at Epsom
last month. He was held up in the rear travelling well, he made headway turning into the straight but had no luck in-running two furlongs out, and was hampered inside the final furlong, but stayed on well to finish second to the well-handicapped Sunny Game. Although he has been raised 5lbs for that run I still think he can run well at a decent price.

The Richard Hannon-trained Kalahaag, was an eye-catcher for me last season, and she has claims in the 1m Fillies Handicap at Ascot (2.50pm). She raced over 6fur at Newmarket on good ground last September, and she certainly found that trip on the sharp side. Although she was beaten by seven lengths I was impressed the way she stayed on well in the closing stages after
been detached from the field at halfway, the opposition that finished in-front of her are all decent animals. She did have a run the following month but the soft ground may have been against her. It`s possible that she may need this run, but she has no weight to carry (7st-7lb) including her jockey`s claim and could go well with the trip and ground in her favour.

At Haydock, the ultra-consistent Son Of Flicka, can go close in 3m Handicap
Hurdle at 3.05pm

The Donald McCain-trained gelding didn`t get passed the first hurdle at the Aintree Festival, but has performed with credit on many occasions. Although his three wins over hurdles have come on flat tracks, possibly his best run to date
was his second place finish behind the well-handicapped Sir Des Champs, over 2m 5fur at the Cheltenham Festival. It was a real gutsy performance, losing his position at the top of the hill, but he responded to pressure and kept on really well, just finding the winner to nail him inside the last 50 yards. Until his early exit last timeout his jockey Henry Brooke, has never finished out of the
frame when riding, and has an each-way shout in a wide-open event.

I have to mention Micheal Flips, in the same race, although the trip might stretch him, he did give 17lbs to the much improved Russian War, at Aintree last timeout. That race wasn`t run to suit and he is very capable on his day and is worth having a saver on.

The Luca-Cumani trained- Bourne looks a certainly in last at 5.20pm. A reproduction of his fourth placed finish behind the well regarded Micheal Stoute-trained Modun at Newbury last month. should be good enough to take today`s prize. The pace was slow early, and he was held up in rear, but made good headway inside the final two furlongs to stay on really well. There are a
couple of front runners in today`s field, so the pace should suit him better, and should take a lot of beating in this weaker race.

1pt eway Kalahaag 2.50pm Ascot - 14s General ( best price g'teed 1/4 odds and 3 places )

1.5pts eway Son Of Flicka 3.05pm Haydock - 12s General ( best price g'teed 4 places 1/4 odds )

1.5pts eway Micheal Flips 3.05pm Haydock - 12s P Power ( best price g'teed 4 places 1/4 odds - 10s General )

2pts eway Rock A Doodle Doo 4.35pm Ascot - 11/2 General ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds )

5pts win Bourne 5.20pm Haydock - 10/11 General ( best price g'teed )

** Note I do have 2 horses running at Punchestown, that I mentioned on The
Attheraces- Website click on Punchestown Microsite and then on Dark Horses??.
You will find Morning Supreme and Truckers Delight were tipped up. But they are
very tough races to solve.
 

WL

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6th May -

Yesterday`s Selection

Marcus Antonius, ran fine but after seeing him again he looks very quirky to me.

He has a very awkward head carriage which has to be a negative, he did try his best though and was just touched off for a place. Result= 4th M.Price 9/1 S.P

13/2

Today`s Selections

At Punchestown, I have no reason to change my mind now, I still like the chances of Thegreatjohnbrowne in 2m5fur Handicap Chase at 4.55pm.

His connections thought the ground was too quick for him earlier in the week, but the surface should be fine now that we had light rain since then.

There was a lot to like about his first two wins over the larger obstacles at today`s venue. Always prominent throughout and jumping impeccably, he went on to win easily on both occasions.

It`s fair to say his jumping was not fluent when he stepped up in class at Leopardstown over the Christmas Holidays. He also jumped a little to the right at most of the fences, which possibly cost him victory in the end. He has not raced since, but we all know his trainer is well capable of getting them ready for the big day, and I expect him to go really close back on his favourite track.

At first glance, the 2 Mile Novice Hurdle (Punch 6.40pm) looks between the first two in the betting (Kid Cassidy+ Sicilian Secret). But the Mouse Morris-trained Baily Green, might be able to upset the likely favourites at a decent price.

It`s fair to say this race is definitely a step up in class for him, but I did like the way he won at Cork last timeout. Always travelling and jumping well throughout the contest, he cruised home to win easily by nine lengths. In my opinion the key to his easy success was the better ground, the majority of horses by　his sire Kings Theatre, appreciate good ground.

His trainer is well capable of improving horses, and I can see Baily Green, doing that today　and he can be　involved in the shake-up now that he has his favored ground.

2pts Win Thegreatjohnbrowne 4.55pm Punch - 7/2 General ( best price g'teed )

1pt win + 2pts Place Baily Green 6.40pm Punch ( Betfair SP )

 WL

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5th May  -

Yesterday`s Selections

Oneeightofamile, as I said in my preview I was happy to see him stepped up in trip. I was pleased with his position throughout the contest. He raced in about 8th place on the inside rail( which is a perfect spot to be with no stamina doubts). A couple of jumping errors didn`t matter and won going away at the finish to win by 12 lengths

Result= WINNER 14/1 M.Price S.P 12/1

Scotsirish, 2m4fur on good ground is ideal for this fellow, Ruby gave it a great ride, held up on the inside saving ground at each turn. He got him jumping well and stayed on strong enough to win by 2 lengths. Maybe he might have finished second with his stablemate`s fall at the last we don`t know but we will take the win

Result= WINNER 8/1 M.Price 8/1 S.P 7/1

Empire Levant, I was keen on this fellow, but a serious mistake three out might have cost him victory. Travelling well out in front Ruby still had a double hand-full just before the bad error.Result= disappointing 4th

Today`s Selection.

I think today`s racing at Punchestown is very tough to sort out, I did fancy two horses in advance but they were pulled out, so no bet for me at that track.I`m not a fan of Chester racetrack for betting at all  I just watch the replays and take notes.

But I do think the Jim Boyle-trained Marcus Antonius, is worth a bet in the 2mile Handicap at Goodwood (5.00pm). Although he was beaten at short odds last timeout, I do think that race might have come too soon for him. A week earlier he had a very tough race at Pontefract over 2m2fur where he performed well to finish third behind the in-form pair of Descaro and Blackmore. The three weeks
rest should have him ready for a big run and has the assistance of Pat Cosgrove, in the saddle.

1.5pts Eway Marcus Antonius
5pm Goodwood - 8s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds, 9s at Skybet and Stan James )

WL

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4th May -

Yesterday`s Selections

Thegreatjohnbrowne= Non-Runner due to ground

Hail Tiberius- the front runners declared for the race, got held up in the race that was the reason for the defeat, He was too keen early on, because the pace was very steady throughout. It`s not an excuse but maybe a bigger field will suit him better in the future, I wont give up on him just yet. Result 4th

Nearest The Pin= what can I say, not the best day at the office for jockey Davy Condon, didn`t mind him held up, but why so far back, then lose his position at halfway. But if that`s not enough made his move 5fur from home widest of all to get beaten by a neck.. Result= 2nd

Today`s Selections

Oneeightofamile

I am pleased that his trainer is stepping him up in trip for the first time. Although he won over two miles at Navan back in September, when making his hurdle debut, he came from a long way back to get the better of his rivals giving the impression that he would appreciate even further. The following month he certainly found two miles at Tipperary way too sharp for him,
and he also ran at Naas where he stayed on well for pressure over that trip to finish second to Lancetto, again showing a longer distance would be more to his liking.We did not see him again until a second place finish on the level over
twomiles at Clonmel a fortnight ago, where again he stayed on really well for pressure.

He should come on from that run, and could be the one they all have to beat.

Empire Levant

Although he was well beaten by Sire De Grugy at Kempton back in February, the
pace was very slow in the early stages which would have been against him at this sharp track. He showed a
month earlier that he appreciates a strong gallop when he won in fine style beating the much improved Palawi in a fast time at Doncaster. He will have no problems with the ground conditions and should go really close to
winning.

Scotsirish

The ten-year-old veteran has performed with credit on many occasions this season, most notably his third place finish behind Big Zeb at Leopardstown over the Christmas period. He would have found the extended two miles at Fairyhouse
last week too sharp on good ground, even though he ran a sound race. In my opinion I always thought he was a better horse over 2m 4f plus. Nice to see Ruby on board and has a decent chance in a competitive race.

                   
2pts E-way Oneeightofamile 3.40
Punch (Betfair Best Odds) - 14s BET365 ( best price g'teed 5 places and 1/4 odds )

3.5pts Win Empire Levant 4.50 Punch - 13/8 BET365 ( best price g'teed, 6/4 General )

1.5pts E-way Scotsirish 6.40 Punch - 8s General ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds )

WL

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3rd May -

Today`s Selections,

Nearest The Pin

I was really impressed the way the Tony Martin-trained gelding won at Fairyhouse two weeks ago. Always travelling and jumping well behind the leaders he jumped the last level with Princeton Plains, but with one crack of the whip from Paul Carberry,he kept on strongly to win very easily by four lengths.

The handicapper was impressed too increasing his handicap mark by 12lbs (114). I think the key to his easy success was the better ground. His trainer is a very shrewd man and he should go close to follow up today.

Thegreatjohnbrowne

There was a lot to like about his first two wins over the larger obstacles at Punchestown. Always prominent throughout and jumping
impeccably, he went on to win easily on both occasions. It`s fair to say his jumping was not as fluent when he stepped up in class at Leopardstown over the Christmas Holidays. He also jumped a little to the right at most of the fences, which possibly cost him victory in the end. He has not raced since, but we all know his trainer is well capable of getting them ready for the big day, and I
expect him to go really close back on his favourite track.

Hail Tiberius

At Newcastle, today could be the day that the Tim Walford-trained gelding gets his first victory. You can blame the slow pace over course and distance last timeout for his defeat , although he still performed well. His jockey Duran
Fentiman, would have learned a lot about his mount last time and I expect him to go close today.

3pts win Hail Tiberius 2.40pm
Newcastle - 4s General ( best price g'teed )

2pts win Nearest The Pin 4.55pm
Punchestown - 9/2 General ( best price g'teed )

2pts win Thegreatjohnbrowne 6.40pm
Punchestown - 11/2 General ( best pric g'teed )

I would advise an eway Patent on my selections as well.

WL

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2nd May -

Will is currently working with ATR this week on Punchestown build up and micro site.

His selections therefore will not include a write up but just the advice for a few days.

Today Will has one selection.

Advice -

2.35 Limerick - Brodies Dubrovnik 2pts e/w -   best morning price, settle at Betfair SP

***Note if you decide to invest in any of my selections from now on, I do advise
you to stake more in the Place Markets on the Exchanges

WL

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1st May -

Will is currently working with ATR this week on Punchestown build up and micro site.

His selections therefore will not include a write up but just the advice for a few days.

Today Will has two more selections.

Advice -

1.5pts eway Spavento - 4.50 Hamilton - 8s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )

1pt e/w No Information - 5.10 Gowran - 14/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/5 odds )

***Note if you decide to invest in any of my selections from now on, I do advise
you to stake more in the Place Markets on the Exchanges

WL

Will is currently working with ATR this week on Punchestown build up and micro site.

His selections therefore will not include a write up but just the advice for a few days.

Today Will has two selections in the UK, he had a nice day yesterday with a 6/1 winner!!

Advice -

2pts eway With Hindsight - 5.10 Goodwood - 7s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )

1pt e/w Legal Legacy - 4.45 Thirsk - 6/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds, 11/2 General )

***Note if you decide to invest in any of my selections from now on, I do advise
you to stake more in the Place Markets on the Exchanges

WL

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29th April -

Will is currently working with ATR this week on Punchestown build up and micro site.

His selections therefore will not include a write up but just the advice for a few days.

Today Will has sent through two selections for Dundalk this evening. Also worth noting Silly Dancer also on the card in the 8.30....

Advice -

2pts eway Final Recovery 8.00pm Dundalk - 6s Boyles ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds - also with Coral and BET365 )

2pt Win Hassanali 9.25 Dundalk - 5s Coral ( 4 places and 1/4 odds - 9/2 Tote and W Hill )

***Note if you decide to invest in any of my selections from now on, I do advise
you to stake more in the Place Markets on the Exchanges

WL

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28th April -

Today`s Selections

At Bath, the Peter Makin-trained Adventure Story, is certainly a frustrating character but she looks to have a decent chance in the Fillies Handicap over 6fur at 4.40pm.

She was trained by Richard Hannon last season, but Mr Makin has done really well with castoffs in the past.

The four-year-old filly was slowly out of the stalls on many occasions last season, which made it very difficult for her to get her head in front. She started the season off at a rating of 75, but starts this campaign 10lbs lower.

Even with her tardy starts last year, she still managed to get herself back into contention but ran into trouble and had to be snatched up at vital stages. Today`s race won`t take much winning, and with only 8 runners declared, hopefully she should get a clear passage to be successful in a weak race.

At Perth, South O`The Border, can be competitive in a decent 2m4fur Handicap Hurdle at 4.50pm. The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding has performed very poorly over the larger obstacles throughout the season. But he looked to appreciate the return to hurdles last timeout when he finished third in eye-catching fashion over 3m at Bangor last month.

He travelled and jumped really well, but the pace was slow throughout the contest and he got tapped for toe inside the last half mile. He made up a lot of ground to get within four lengths of the winner.

He has won over course and distance in the past and a reproduction of his last run will see him in the shake-up.
 
2pts eway Adventure Story 4.40 Bath - 5/1 W Hill ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds - also 5s with SJames, Skybet and BSquare )

2pts eway South O`The Border 4.50 Perth - 6/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )

***Note if you decide to invest in any of my selections from now on, I do advise
you to stake more in the Place Markets on the Exchanges

WL

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27th April -

No bet today.

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26th April -

Yesterday`s Selections,

King In Waiting, wasn`t surprised to see him go from the front, with stamina assured. His jockey Daniel Tudhope, got the fractions spot on, and kept a bit up his sleeve inside the final　2fur, and stayed on really well to win going away.

Result = 1st 5/1 M.Price

Shirley Casper, she travelled well out in front and jumped fine, but made a mistake　five out, and dropped away soon after that. Disappointing. Result= un-placed

Today`s Selections,

At Fairyhouse, Perfect Smile, is stepped up in trip for the first time since his point to point days for the 2m4fur Grade 2 Novice Hurdle at 5.30pm. I did fancy him at Aintree, and after watching the race again, it`s very possible that the step up in trip will suit him better at this stage of his career. Although he was well beaten last timeout, he didn`t travel the way he normanally does and maybe the 100 days off the track was the reason for his lackluster effort.

He has no worries with the ground, and we should see a different horse this evening.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

1.5pts eway Perfect Smile 5.30pm F/House - 10s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )

WL

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25th April -

Yesterday`s Selections.

Se Beag, didn`t continue his improvement, although they went slow enough early on, but he was beaten fair and square. Maybe back over 2m4fur+ is the answer. I won`t loose faith just yet.

Result= un-placed

Nakajima Nate, raced in mid-division throughout and kept on at one pace, this is his second run of the season and got the impression he needed this one also. Just missed out on a place. Can I see him being more competitive next time? I think he will. Result= 5th

Today`s Selections.

At Fairyhouse, the Dessie Hughes-trained Shirley Casper looks interesting in the Mares Chase at 6.00pm. The last time we saw her run was against the boys in a Grade 2 Novice Chase at Aintree. She was still travelling o.k well she took a bad fall at the 5th last, I don`t think the mare would have beaten Wishfull Thinking, but she was running a good race.

The key to her is that she needs good ground, although she has form in soft conditions I feel that the faster surface will be more to her liking at this level. She has three lengths to find with Aura About You, when she finish second to her at Thurles two months ago but that was on heavy ground. The winner went on to beat one of today`s rivals For Bill next timeout.
At the prices I think she is value and if none the worst after her fall last timeout, Shirley Casper can go really close.

At Redcar, maybe the 2m Handicap at 2.35pm is a poor race to get involved in, but the David O`Meara-trained King In Waiting, is a horse in my notebook from last season and I think today`s race is where he can oblige. It was last May at York, although he was no match for the well handicapped winner Hollins(who went on to run very well in two hot staying handicaps) he still put in a good effort to finish third, after he was hampered at a crucial stage.

Today`s race is a lot weaker, and I`m giving him valid reasons for his bad runs lately. He didn`t act on the sand at Southwell- wouldn`t have liked the soft ground over the fences- and although he had every chance at Pontefract last timeout, he travelled very well for a long way, but the race possibly came to soon after a tough run on bad ground over the larger obstacles. His jockey
Daniel Tudhope, rides well in long distance races, and I`m confident of a good run. ** Just to note there is 8 runners at the moment, don`t be surprised if there is one pulled out. But Betfair still pay 1-2-3 in Place market if that happens.

2pts Eway King In
Waiting 2.35pm Redcar - 5/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds ) - WINNER!!!

2pts Eway Shirley
Casper 6.00pm F/House - 10s BET365 ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )

WL

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24 April -

Yesterday`s Selections.

Dantari, I would have liked his jockey race a bit closer behind the early pacesetter(Tobago Bay). We know he stays further so he could bring his stamina
into play at the business end. It wasn`t to be, and he did jump a bit slow at a few hurdles which didn`t help. Result= 4th

Celebrity Sevi, not much to say about his run really, just that he needs at least 1m4fur. It was a bad choice from me to be honest. Result= un-placed

Silly Dancer, at one stage I thought she would hang on, but ran very well to her credit. But after seen her in a close finish for the first time for a while, I do think she doesn`t help her jockey, she has an awkward head carriage and is a weak finisher. Result=2nd 8/1 M.Price

Altan Khan, I did like this one, but unfortunately he had an off day. I was never happy at any time during the race. Result= Un-Placed

Stopped Out, I did say watch this fellow in-running, and I`m sure you were happy what you were seeing throughout the contest. His jockey decided to make the running, travelling well and jumping accurately was the key, and he battled all the way to the line, to fend off all challengers. Excellent ride by Richie McGrath. Result= 1st
 

Today`s Selections.

At Fairyhouse,the Ronan O`Dwyer-trained Se Beag, was a very easy winner at Gowran last timeout, and looks worth following in the 2m Handicap Hurdle at 2.50pm.

Today`s race is certainly a step up in class, but I was very impressed the way he travelled and jumped throughout the contest. His win surprised many but the key was the better ground, the last time he came close to winning a race was on good ground in Point-To-Point racing last summer.

Most people might think the step down in trip could be against him. I don`t think it will, his fluency over the hurdles and the he travels will help him keep tabs on the leaders. If he was trained by Mullins, Meade,or Elliott he would be a short-price favourite in a competitive race. His jockey Keith Donoghue, takes a valuable 5lb off, and could be one to follow through the summer months.

At Cork, today`s better ground will be more to the liking for the Sabrina Harty-trained Nakajima Nate in the 2mile Handicap Hurdle at 3.15pm. A winner last year on fast ground at Down Royal over today`s distance, the lightly raced seven-year-old would have found the soft conditions at Limerick against him on his seasonal debut three weeks ago. Although he was well beaten I do expect him
to come on from the run, and with the ground in his favour he could be in the shake up at a decent price.

2pts e/w Se Beag 2.50pm F/House - 8/1 General ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

2pts eway Nakajima Nate 3.15pm Cork - 14/1 P Power and W Hill ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

WL

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23rd April 2011 -

Today`s Selections.

At Sandown, the Evan Williams-trained Dantari, gets my vote in the 2m3fur Handicap Hurdle at 2.05pm. This horse will definitely get a mention, because he
only knows one way to run and that is from the front.

He was second in this race last year, and his from going into today`s race is pretty good. It`s fair to say he was well beaten last timeout, but that was
over 3miles. But his three runs before that one were all solid performances. A sixth place finish to Carlito Brigante, at the Cheltenham Festival was a great
run, but possibly his best run this season was his third place finish behind Kilcrea Kim, at today`s venue two months ago.

He led at a strong pace and had the field well strung out. He even made a terrible mistake at the seventh hurdle but that didn`t stop him, turning for
home he was still in front,and just got headed at the 2nd last. I did think he would drop away but to his credit he battled all the way to the line to hang on
for third. Paul Maloney takes over in the saddle today, and if he sets the right fractions and gets him jumping soundly he could surprise many at decent odds.

At Cork, I know it`s rare you see Pat Smullen, not ride for his boss in a maiden where he has two horses running, Smullen has decided to ride one for
Andrew Oliver in the 1m Maiden at 5.35pm. The reason why I mention this is that the Dermot Weld-trained Celebrity Sevi, went into my notebook after his
debut run over 7fur at the Curragh last October.

I know he was well beaten by the impressive Kevin Prendergast-trained filly Handassa, but he made up a lot of ground up from the back, by a hand and heels
ride from Smullen, and gave me the impression he could be one to follow this season with a step up in trip.

I do understand if he was working well at home Smullen, would be on board, but I have seen in the past, horses can perform much better on the track than at home.
Also I know two horses that oppose him today hold big race entries,the John Oxx-trained and likely favourite Kilbirnie and the David Wachman-trained Giant
Step. They are talking horses but I would like to see them do it on the track first.

Celebrity Sevi, looks interesting to me and is worth a bet at biggish odds.

**Note** Silly Dancer, is a 1st reserve in the (5.05), I did say in my review
last week that she could get her head in front when the ground dries up. So if
she gets the chance to run I expect her to go well.

At Kelso, the Malcom Jefferson-trained Altan Khan, could take a lot of beating
in the 2m2fur Handicap Hurdle at 6.45pm. I happy to see him racing on a stiffer track and a small step up in distance today, I did think two miles around Stratford was a bit sharp for him even
though he performed well on his last two outings. The form of his third place finish behind Remember Now, at Stratford last month has worked out really well recently. The winner went on to win easily in a competitive Handicap Hurdle at Ayr, and the second Tatispout, won on the bridle at today`s venue last week. There is nothing of that caliber in today`s field and should go really close barring any accidents.

**Note** Stopped Out, is going in the 2m6fur Handicap Hurdle at 7.45pm. You may remember I tipped him up earlier in the month and there was plenty of support behind him that day. In a similar race today wouldn`t be surprised if he went close, especially if he travels better and jump with a bit more fluency. Might suit punters who like betting on the  In-Running Markets.

1.5pts eway Dantari 2.05pm Sandown - 10/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/4 odds - 9s General )

1pt eway Silly Dancer 5.05pm Cork (1st Reserve) - 8s Coral ( best price g'teed 4 places and 1/4 odds )

0.75pts eway Celebrity Sevi 5.35pm Cork - 20s General ( best price g'teed 3 places 1/5 odds )

3pts win Altan Khan 6.45pm Kelso - 4/1 General ( best price g'teed )

WL

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20th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selections.

Idealism, performed well for 20/1 shot held up in the early stages ,but travelled a bit awkwardly got a bit out paced. Turning for home he got chopped
for room, but stayed on well to finish 5th. After seeing today`s race I feel 10-12 furlongs will suit him better in the future, and is one to consider in the
same grade.

Dot`s Delight, I am a big fan of Silvestre De Sousa, but he had a shocker. To be fair I don`t like blaming jockeys when my selections finish un-placed. But his
tactics were all wrong, ok he is a horse who likes to be held-up but not 16ls off the pace. And then when he tried to make a run he ran into horses who were
beaten. There`s no doubt he would have been involved in the close finish, but wasn`t to be tonight. Very disappointing result. 5th

Today`s Selection.

At Epsom, the Micheal Bell- trained Sunny Game, looks interesting in 1m4fur Handicap at 2.35pm. I know this time of the year is risky backing horses having
their first run of the season especially at today`s venue. But this son of Montjeu, went into my notebook on two occasions last season. His run at Chester in May, he showed that he handled the sharp bends, but raced wide coming into the straight from the rear and was closing on the winner Zuider Zee, inside the last 100yds to find the post coming too soon. The winner ended the
season rated (90).

The second eye-catching run was late last season in October at Doncaster. He was very keen in the early stages but settled better at halfway. But when they
turned into the straight he lost his place and got checked twice when trying to make a challenge. He did stay on well at the finish to finish a close fifth to
the much improved Salden Licht. It`s fair to say horses either act on this track or they don`t, I feel the way he travels he should handle it. I did read that he worked well with stable
companion Advisor, who ran well at Windsor on Monday night. So I do advise an eway-way bet in a competitive race.
 
2pts eway Sunny Game

Epsom 2.35pm - 4/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds ) - WINNER!!!

WL

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19th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selection.

The Wee Chief, held up last and very keen for the first 2fur and he took a pull from 3-4fur out, still looked to be going well 2fur out and looking for room to get a run, and when he did he didn`t pick up. Wouldn`t have got near the easy winner, but If he was let go a bit sooner maybe he would have got a clear 2nd.

Result= 7th

Today`s Selection.

I am only going on one run here, but the now Micky Hammond- trained Idealism looks very interesting in the 1m Handicap at Pontefract(4.40). The form of his fifth place finish behind Tactician, at Newbury(1m3fur) in April of last year reads well. The four horses that finished in front of him all went on to win races that season, with the winner now rated (94) and the fourth Total Command (106).

He was obviously difficult to train, even for his predecessor John Godsen, we didn`t see him again until late last month over a very different trip (6fur) at Catterick. Although he was well beaten, he was staying on at the finish over a trip that was way too short for him. The handicapper rates him (65) which is fair. I could be way off the mark here, but he is a big price so he is worth a small investment with the step up in trip sure to suit.

At Wolverhampton, the Mark Rimell- trained Dots Delight, gets my vote in 2m Handicap at 7.45pm. I really feel the step up in trip will bring out the best in her. She`s been racing over 12f-14f the last few months and on each　occasion see kept on getting out-paced and then staying on again at the finish. This is　mainly　due to the slow early pace that these races are now　run at lately. So if the pace is slow the　extra two furlongs will be in her favour. I do expect a bold show tonight with the excellent Silvestre De Sousa, booked for the ride.

1pt each way Idealism 4.40pm Pontefract - 18s with VC, 16's and 14s General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )

2pts win and 3pts place Dots Delight 7.45pm Wolver. - 9/2 P Powers, 4s Gen ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )

WL

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18th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selections.

Jeunopse= held up out the back, possibly too far back. Made good headway into the straight travelling well and had every chance, but the strength of Ruby Walsh was the difference in the end. I expect Jeunopse, to win a 2m4fur+ handicap this season. Result 2nd @ 8/1

Laureate Des Loges, I was very surprised to see connections decide　to have their held up last over 2m3fur. To be honest if she raced a bit more prominent she would have won. But happy to get placed. Result 3rd 5/1 M.Price.

Note.. yesterday`s selections is a prime example why each-way is so important, in my opinion if both horses were ridden closer to the pace they would have won.

But I do recommended to have more money invested in the Place Market on the exchanges. So you make more of a profit than the each-way bet.

Today`s Selection.

Not a lot of quality going today, but the Jimmy Fox-trained The Wee Chief, has good claims in 6fur Handicap at Windsor(6.50). He will certainly relish the fast ground and he should be fitter than most of his rivals, after a good spin on the sand two weeks ago. A winner over course and distance last year, and he should go close if the gaps open up in time. His jockey Pat Dobbs, gets on really well him and is worth an each-way bet in a open looking event.

1pt each-way The Wee Chief 6.50pm - 13/2 VC and W Hill ( best price g'teed and 3 places 1/4 odds )

WL

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17th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selections.

Silly Dancer= she travelled well out the back, and made her move down the middle of the track to plug on well to grab a place. I do think she will get her head in front this season, when the ground dries up even further. Happy with the place 4th @ 12/1 M-Price.

White Diamond= got an easy lead out in front, and stayed there until the last furlong, only to find the easy winner Captivator too good. Again happy with the 2nd place@ 6/1 M-Price.

Just to mention, I should have tipped/or reminded you that Arlequin, was running in the 7.20pm at Donny. I did say earlier in the month he is one to watch this season. And yes the signs are he could well take a big handicap this season after his easy success.

Today`s Selections.

At Gowran Park, Jeunopse has sound claims in the 2m4fur Maiden Hurdle at 2.35pm. I have put my selection three times into my notebook saying that a step up to
today`s trip will suit her better. Finally that day has come, however I wouldn`t be happy if the plan is to have her held up as far back as she has been in all
of her races so far this season. As we know, if the pace is slow, it`s very hard to make up ground on the leaders if your too far back. A more positive ride will
see the Thomas Carberry-trained mare give the likely favourite Shifa, a run for the money.

At Stratford, the Henry Daly-trained Laureate Des Loges, gets my vote in the 2m3fur Mares Handicap Hurdle at 3.50pm. It`s fair to say she is out of form this
season, but I do think she ran fine in her last two races against better opposition, although over further. The form of her fifth place finishes behind
Ocean Transit and Veiled have been franked. With the latter winning a valuable handicap at Aintree and Ocean Transit, running a great race behind the mighty
Quevega.

My only worry is that she may get too far behind, but her connections could change her tactics, and race just behind the leaders. The pace could be strong
with three possible front runners in the field, so racing in 5th-6th place should be ideal. The in-form Richard Johnson, is booked for the ride and she has
a great chance to get back into the winners enclosure.

2pts eway Jeunopse 2.35pm Gowran - 8/1 P Power, 3 places and 1/5 odds - 2nd

2pts eway  Laureate Des Loges 3.50 Stratford - 5/1 BETFRED and BET365, 3 places and 1/5 odds - 3rd

WL

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16th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selection.

Lively Baron, ran fine but they went very slow for the first mile of the race which wouldn`t have suited my selection. The winner dictated things from the front and did it well. I know it`s early days but looks an out-and-out stayer. And wouldn`t be surprised if this horse turns out to be a Grand National horse in the next couple of years. Remember where you heard it. Result 2nd 5/1

Today`s Selections.

I found the racing very competitive today, Ayr is very tough to sort out and Newbury, well the season is too early to trust the form, and there is a lot of maidens. But I do have two bets at biggish odds that could run well at the lesser meetings.

At Naas, the fully exposed Silly Dancer is worth a bet in the 1m Handicap at 3.05pm. It`s fair to say that this is a wide open race and maybe not a race to get involved in. But the Ado McGuiness- trained eight-year-old caught my eye on many occasions last season, as she did again last timeout. She made her seasonal debut at Dundalk,last week where she travelled well throughout the contest, but got blocked three times up the straight which didn`t help matters and just managed to keep on at the one pace to finish 8th. I do think she is much better
on the turf and today`s race looks very weak and could surprise many at a decent price.

At Doncaster the Malcolm Jefferson-trained White Diamond, has decent claims in 1m2fur Handicap 7.55pm. The ex-irish trained filly was a good winner in a very competitive handicap over
today`s trip at Navan last October. She started the season off with three quick runs over the timber obstacles (not setting the world a light). But her latest start was back on the level, where
she performed with credit to finish 5th to the well handicap Mirrored, at tonight`s venue two weeks ago. The pace was slow early on which may have been against her, where she stayed on at the one pace. I`m happy to see three front runners in the field, which should suit the gutsy four-year-old, champion jockey Paul Hanagan, is booked for the ride and could go close.

2pts eway Silly Dancer 3.05pm Naas - 10s General, 4 places and 1/4 odds - 4th, 11/1sp

2pts eway White Diamond 7.55pm Donny -  6s General 3 places and 1/5 odds - 2nd

WL

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15th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selections.

Too many slowish jumps from On Borrowed Wings, was the main reason for his defeat. It was a disappointing run. You might see him return to the smaller obstacles after today`s display.

Unfortunately there was a lot of rain that hit the Tipperary track, and made conditions quite soft, which would have been against Goldarover. He was well held today, but looks well handicapped and when he gets better ground he is one to keep in mind during the summer months.

Today`s Selection.

At Ayr, the Donald McCain- trained Lively Baron, has sound claims in the 3mile Handicap Hurdle at 2.50pm. The step back up to three miles should definitely suit the son of Presenting.
The lightly raced six-year-old caught my eye last timeout, when he finished seventh to Skint over 2m4fur at Sandown last month. Always in- touch with the leaders, until he jumped the 4th last slow and made a mistake at the next. I did think he would drop away, but credit to Lively Baron he stayed on for pressure to give the impression that today`s distance will be more to his
liking. Grand National, winning jockey Jason Maguire, is booked for the ride, and could take a lot of beating barring any accidents.

3pts win Lively Baron 2.50pm Ayr - 6/1 General ( best price g'teed ) - 2nd

WL

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14th April 2011 -

A very busy day of racing, and I`m still happy to record the flat racing at Newmarket, and take notes for a later date.

Today`s Selections
 
At Cheltenham. On Borrowed Wings gets my vote in 2m5fur Handicap Chase at 2.45pm. I did have a bet on the Alan Fleming-trained gelding at the festival
last month. I was happy enough with his performance, the pace was slow early on and he did make a couple of jumping errors, and he did lose his position in the race because of them.

He stayed on quite well from the back to finish a closing eight place to the Ferdy Murphy-trained Divers. I`m happy that there is only nine runners declared for today`s race. It should mean that he won`t be too far behind when he makes his challenge. The very capable Tom Cannon, takes off seven pounds and if he jumps with fluency he looks the one they all have to beat.

At Tipperary, the Paul Roche-trained Goldarover, has decent each-way claims in the (6.05) 1m1fur Handicap.

I was pleased enough with his seasonal run at Limerick last week. Held up in the early stages travelling well throughout the contest, made his move widest of all coming into the straight and could only stay on at the one pace to finish sixth to the game winner Maal. The soft ground conditions would have been against him, and I do think tonight`s surface will be more to his liking. A reproduction of his runs against Macnas, Aghadoe, and Jembatt last season should be enough for him to be involved at the finish. The excellent Shane Foley, is booked for the
ride.

2.5pts e-way On Borrowed Wings 2.45pm Chel - 9/2 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )
         
1.5pts eway
Goldarover 6.05pm Tipp - 25/1 W Hill ( best price g'teed and 20s General 3 places and 1/4 odds )

WL

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13th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selection.

Captain Becket ran poorly yesterday never really settling in rear off a strong pace and was always struggling to pick up the front few. A market drifter through the day and you'd have to think not his true running.

No Racing Selections today as Will is away.

WL

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12th April 2011 -

Today`s Selection,

It`s possibly the toughest time of the year for tipsters and punters to trust the form.

You have the National Hunt season coming to an end. The Flat season only starting( we are guessing which horses have trained on we have to wait until we see them), and the all-weather horses coming up against the turf horses even though they have a fitness advantage it`s still hard to compare the form. Not to mention the fast ground and small fields.

Just a few things you have to be careful with in the month of April.

Anyway Today`s Fancy.

At Taunton, the Jimmy Frost-trained Captain Becket can repeat last month`s course and distance win by taking the 3mile Handicap Hurdle at 7.45pm.

It is a step up in class, but I was quite pleased the way he travelled and jumped throughout the contest and won with a fair bit in hand. He won off this mark(95) last season so the 10 pound rise in the weights may not be too severe.　Regular jockey Hadden Frost, gets on well with him and Captain Becket should be able to be competitive against tonight`s opposition.

3pts win Captain Becket 7.45pm Taunton - 3/1 General ( best price g'teed )

WL

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11th April 2011 -

Today's selection was a non-runner.

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10th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selections.

At one stage I did think Reve De Sivola, was going to win but unfortunately too
many errors cost him victory. He has the talent and the engine but he hasn`t got
the concentration. I was delighted he rallyed to get back up for 3rd @8/1.

I selected Love Of Tara, thinking that the Racing Post starting price 33/1 was
fair, but 11/1 in the morning I would have never tipped him at that s.p. She ran
no sort of race. Another one to forget about.

Today`s Selections,

At Ascot, Lupanar, gets my vote in the 3m Handicap Hurdle (4.55). He was well
beaten last time out, possibly found the ground too testing and the trip a bit
sharp. But he ran three promising runs this season, and I'm happy to see him
back over three miles on a quicker surface. His young jockey Joseph Akehurst, is
riding very well at the moment and has ridden him before and should go really
close to victory.

At Leopardstown, the Ger Lyons-trained Dunne Grand has a decent chance in a very competitive handicap over seven furlongs at 4.50pm. The key to this race is a
low draw, a quick exit and to hold a good position throughout the race. We have a good draw in stall 3, he has raced prominent in the past.

Although held-up last timeout over 6fur at Dundalk last month, he did give the impression that a step up to 7fur would be in his favour. When staying on quite well from way off the pace to finish fourth to the Ado McGuiness trained Bubbly Bellini. The very capable apprentice Daniel Benson, takes a valuable 10 pounds off which could come in handy in a tight finish.

A half an hour later, it`s hard to believe that Hawk Flight, is still a maiden
after 23 starts on the flat. He has been very consistent on the turf and
the all-weather over the last three seasons. To be honest he is a bit one paced
inside the final furlong, but last timeout he was boxed in all the way up the
straight at Dundalk, and was only beaten by a length at the finish. With so many
question marks against his opposition, he could be the one they all have to beat
if things fall right for him.

1.5pts each way Dunne Grand 4.50pm Leop - 10s Coral and BET365, 4 places and 1/4 odds

2pts each way Lupanar
4.55pm Ascot - 6s General, 3 places and 1/5 odds

2.5pts each way Hawk Flight 5.20 Leop - 8/1 BET365 and BETFRED, 3 places and 1/5 odds  - WINNER!!!

Enjoy the racing guys and don't forget the golden rule only gamble what you can
afford to lose.
 
WL

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9th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s Selections.

Perfect Smile, travelled fine and jumped well no excuses, but not giving up on him with Punchestown not too far away. His fitness might have been questionable with 100 days off the track.

Captain Ramius, help up last travelled ok, moved out wide to challenge stayed on fine to finish 3rd. Now, I would say he is better in a fast run 7fur race. The
winner Lightening Stricks, looks a decent animal and is one to follow this season, another one for the notebook. Always happy to get something back,
3rd 7/1.

Avanti Albert, what can I say, all I can say is not race fit. Or not tonight for this fellow. Very disappointing, you won`t see me selecting him again.

Although there is great races today, I`m happy to sit back and enjoy the sport and cheer on a few of my favourite horses in training at the moment.

Today`s Selections.

I know all eyes will be on the Grand National (4.15), not a race I get heavily involved in, for what it`s worth Calgary Bay, could be interesting. Not
to far behind Midnight Chase, Poquelin, and the much improved Wishing Thinking this season, he will love the ground and no worries with the flat track. With a
bit of luck he might run into a place barring any accidents of course.

I really think Reve De Sivola, will put in a decent round of jumping some day and that day could well be this afternoon in the 3m1f Handicap Chase at 3.25pm.

The Nick Williams-trained gelding is well known for jumping errors, but he is learning all the time and when he gets it right he is a horse to keep on the
right-side of. I was amazed how he still managed finish third behind Bensalem, at the Cheltenham Festival. I counted six mistakes and he was hampered twice at
a crucial stage. He is 9lb better off with that rival, and if he can keep the errors to a minimum he is sure to be involved at the finish.

At Bangor, the Jennifer Mason-trained Love Of Tara, is a massive price in a weak looking Handicap Hurdle at 2.25pm. There is always risks tipping a horse at a
big price, but I did think she ran her best race for a long while last timeout at Market Rasen, last month.

The once rated (130) nine-year-old finished a well beaten sixth,but the horses in front of her that day where all improving horses and in-form. She was an easy
winner this time last year, and I feel the handicapper is giving her a chance off (115) and is worth a small punt at the prices.

 
1pt eway Love Of Tara
2.25pm
Bangor, 11/1 Gen, 3 places and 1/5 odds
 
1.5pts eway Reve De Sivola
3.25 Aintree, 8/1 Gen, 3 places and 1/4 odds - 3rd

0.25pt eway  Calgary Bay
4.15pm Aintree - 40/1, 5 places and 1/4 odds

Enjoy the racing guys and don't forget the golden rule only gamble what you can
afford to lose.
 
WL

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8th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s selection ran fine, it could have been a different story if they went a bit quicker in the early stages. Micheal Flips, lost his position and got in a barging match which didn`t help matters. Nonetheless I was happy to collect the place money. 4th at 25/1(M.Price)
 
The Noel Meade-trained Perfect Smile has a big chance in the Grade 2 contest over 2miles in the opening race at Aintree. In my opinion the key to this horse is that he needs good racing ground to be competitive at this sort of level.
 
I was really impress the way he travelled and jumped when he won very easily first timeout this season at Punchestown back in October of last year. Since then he has raced in two Grade 1 races not running too bad against the well regarded Zaidpour and First Lieutenant. Both of those races was run on heavy conditions and a return to a much sounder surface could trouble the leading fancies at a decent price.
 
At Dundalk, Captain Ramius, catches the eye in the 1m Handicap at 8.30pm. The Kevin Ryan-trained five-year-old is worth a try over tonight`s trip since `April 09`. Although he is usually held-up in his races over 6fur/7fur,but he also has a tendency to miss the break and get left behind, which makes things more difficult for him to be competitive at the business end.
 
I feel the extra furlong will help him get into a better rhythm early on, and use his turn of pace inside the final furlong.
 
A reproduction of his fast finishing fifth at tonight`s venue to course specialist Banna Boirche, over 7fur last October, should see him go close with the excellent Pat Smullen, booked for the ride.
 
A half an hour later the Tony Martin-trained Avanti Albert could take all the beating in the 1m2fur Handicap.
 
The son of King Charlemange, certainly knows his way around the Co.Louth track. He has never finished worst than fifth place out of 7 races. Although off the track since last November, tonight`s race won`t take much winning, and if his trainer has him ready he looks the one they all have to beat.
 
2pts eway Perfect Smile 2.00pm Aintree - 12/1 W Hill and BET365 ( best price g'teed and 1/4 odds 3 places )
 
1pt eway Captain Ramius 8.30pm Dundalk - 8/1 VC and Boyles ( 7s Gen, best price g'teed and 3 places 1/5 odds ) - 3rd
 
2pts eway Avanti Albert 9.00pm Dundalk - 5/1 BET365 ( best price g'teed, 3 places and 1/5 odds -  9/2 VC and 11/2 at BlueSq, 888 and Skybet )

WL

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7th April 2011 -

Just the one bet for me on the first day of the Aintree festival.

Although it`s possibly the hardest race on the card to sort out, the Andy Turnell-trained Micheal Flips gets my vote in the 2m4fur Handicap Hurdle at 5.25pm.

The son of Kayf Tara is lightly raced this season with just three runs, ( 1 chase, 2 hurdles). Both of his runs over the timber were over three miles which would have certainly stretched his stamina.

On both occasions he was in with a shout coming to the second last but failed to get home.

Today`s step down in trip will be more to his liking, and he also should appreciate the sharper track. His jockey Nick Scholfield, gets on really well with him and could surprise many at a decent price.

1pt each way Micheal Flips 5.25 Aintree - 20/1 General 4 places and 1/4 odds - 3rd

WL

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6th April 2011 -

Yesterday`s selection Arlequin, was given too much to do. He did stay on quite well to finish 4th, and I still believe that there is a big handicap in him this season take note of his name.

I don`t fancy any horse today to put on the site. Looking forward to Aintree, where I'm sure there will be a few interesting bets.  

WL

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5th April 2011 -

Not a great start to the week unless you laid off your investment before the off of the race. Plenty of support for Stopped Out 10-1 into 4-1, but never travelled the way he normally does and didn`t jump with any fluency.

The mistake he made at the seventh hurdle put him out of the reckoning, and finished a well beaten sixth.

The 1m2fur handicap at Pontefract (4.10pm) is possibly the best race of the day, and the James Bethell- trained Arlequin deserves to win a race of this nature.

The consistent four-year-old ran many good races in decent handicaps last season, and caught my eye on a few occasions. The form behind the likes of Circumvent, Tepmokea, Sweet Lightning and Salden Licht reads very well in the context of today`s race.

His trainer has decided to go the same route as last year, with a couple of runs on the sand in France, to wipe away a few cobwebs and a reproduction of his turf form should be enough for him to be involved at the finish.

2pts eway, Arlequin, 4.10 Pontefract

6/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/5 odds )

WL

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4th April 2011 -

The Kate Walton- trained Stopped Out, can get back to winning ways by taking the 2m6f Handicap Hurdle at Kelso(5.00). Twice a winner at today`s venue, I was impressed with his win over course and distance back in November. when badly hampered by a faller early on in the race his jockey Richie McGrath, gave him time to recover, and he stayed on really well to win by a length giving two stone to the runner-up Charlie Bucket.

It`s fair to say he was well beaten at Haydock last timeout, but the step up in trip and heavy conditions might have been against the gutsy five-year-old. Back over today`s trip and on better ground I can see the son of Mountjoy, go close at a decent price.

2pts eway, Stopped Out, 5.00pm Kelso

10/1 General ( best price g'teed 3 places and 1/4 odds )

WL